Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2025

Combined DNA-RNA Fluorescent In situ Hybridization FISH to Study X Chromosome Inactivation in Differentiated Female Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Published on: June 14, 2014
B cell stimulation changes the structure and higher-order organization of the inactive X chromosome
Abstract:
X Chromosome Inactivation (XCI) equalizes X-linked gene expression between sexes. B cells exhibit dynamic XCI, with Xist RNA/heterochromatic marks absent on the inactive X (Xi) in naive B cells but returning following mitogenic stimulation. The impact of dynamic XCI on Xi structure and maintenance was previously unknown. Here, we find dosage compensation of the Xi with state-specific XCI escape genes in naive and in vitro activated B cells. Allele-specific OligoPaints indicate similar Xi and Xa territories in B cells that are less compact than in fibroblasts. Allele-specific Hi-C reveals a lack of TAD-like structures on the Xi of naive B cells, and stimulation-induced alterations in TAD-like boundary strength independent of gene expression. Notably, Xist deletion in B cells changes TAD boundaries and large-scale Xi compaction. Altogether, our results uncover B cell-specific Xi plasticity which could underlie sex-biased biological mechanisms.
More Related Videos
13:55Combined Immunofluorescence and DNA FISH on 3D-preserved Interphase Nuclei to Study Changes in 3D Nuclear Organization
Published on: February 3, 2013
11:00Visualizing the Actin and Microtubule Cytoskeletons at the B-cell Immune Synapse Using Stimulated Emission Depletion STED Microscopy
Published on: April 9, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Inheritance of Chromatin Structures
X-Inactivation
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Heterochromatin
Constitutive heterochromatin: It is a highly compact region of chromatin that is mostly concentrated in the centromere and telomere. Unlike euchromatin, the amino acid at...
Duplication of Chromatin Structure
The basic unit of the chromatin is the nucleosome, consisting of DNA wrapped around octameric histone proteins and short stretches of linker DNA separating individual nucleosomes. The histone proteins within the nucleosome have their...
Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...