A role for siRNA in X-chromosome dosage compensation in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Sex-chromosome dosage compensation requires selective identification of X chromatin. How this occurs is not fully understood. We show that small interfering RNA (siRNA) mutations enhance the lethality of Drosophila males deficient in X recognition and partially rescue females that inappropriately dosage-compensate. Our findings are consistent with a role for siRNA in selective recognition of X chromatin. © 2012 by the Genetics Society of America.