Nonrandom X chromosome inactivation is influenced by multiple regions on the murine X chromosome

Abstract

During the development of female mammals, one of the two X chromosomes is inactivated, serving as a dosagecompensation mechanism to equalize the expression of X-linked genes in females and males. While the choice of which X chromosome to inactivate is normally random, X chromosome inactivation can be skewed in F1 hybrid mice, as determined by alleles at the X chromosome controlling element (Xce), a locus defined genetically by Cattanach over 40 years ago. Four Xce alleles have been defined in inbred mice in order of the tendency of the X chromosome to remain active: Xcea < Xceb < Xcec