The Demoiselle of X-Inactivation: 50 Years Old and As Trendy and Mesmerising As Ever
2011
The Demoiselle of X-Inactivation: 50 Years Old and As Trendy and Mesmerising As Ever
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Morey Céline, Avner Philip, Bickmore Wendy A.
Primary Institution: Institut Pasteur, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire Murine, CNRS, URA2578, Paris, France
Conclusion
X-inactivation is a major mechanism responsible for dosage compensation of X-linked gene expression between the sexes in mammals.
Supporting Evidence
- X-inactivation was originally described by Mary Lyon and has captivated scientists for decades.
- The inactive X corresponds to a dense heterochromatin mass called the 'Barr body'.
- X-inactivation is crucial for balancing gene expression between sexes in mammals.
Takeaway
In female mammals, one of the two X chromosomes is randomly turned off to balance gene expression with males, who have only one X chromosome. This process is called X-inactivation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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