X Chromosomes Alternate between Two States prior to Random X-Inactivation
2006
X Chromosomes Change States Before Random Inactivation
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Susanna Mlynarczyk-Evans, Barbara Panning
Hypothesis
Do X chromosomes oscillate between different states before committing to inactivation?
Conclusion
The study suggests that X chromosomes change between two states before they randomly inactivate, indicating that randomness occurs earlier than previously thought.
Supporting Evidence
- The study shows that X chromosomes oscillate between two states before committing to inactivation.
- Female embryonic stem cells display a mosaic of cells with either the paternal or maternal X chromosome in the silent state.
- X chromosomes can switch states during cell divisions, achieving a random distribution of pre-inactivation states.
Takeaway
X chromosomes in female cells can switch between two different states before one gets turned off, which helps explain how the choice of which X chromosome to silence is random.
Methodology
The researchers studied mouse embryonic stem cells and used fluorescent probes to observe the states of X-encoded genes.
Participant Demographics
Mouse embryonic stem cells were used in the study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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