Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The histone macroH2A1.2 has been implicated in X chromosome inactivation on the basis of its accumulation on the inactive X chromosome (Xi) of adult female mammals. We have established the timing of macroH2A1.2 association with the Xi relative to the onset of X-inactivation in differentiating murine embryonic stem (ES) cells using immuno-RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Before X-inactivation we observe a single macroH2A1.2-dense region in both undifferentiated XX and XY ES cells that does not colocalize with X inactive specific transcript (Xist) RNA, and thus appears not to associate with the X chromosome(s). This pattern persists through early stages of differentiation, up to day 7. Then the frequency of XY cells containing a macroH2A1.2-rich domain declines. In contrast, in XX cells there is a striking relocalization of macroH2A1.2 to the Xi. Relocalization occurs in a highly synchronized wave over a 2-d period, indicating a precisely regulated association. The timing of macroH2A1.2 accumulation on the Xi suggests it is not necessary for the initiation or propagation of random X-inactivation.

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Cell Biol

Publication Date

27/12/1999

Volume

147

Pages

1399 - 1408

Keywords

Animals, Cell Differentiation, Cell Line, Dosage Compensation, Genetic, Female, Histones, Male, Mice, RNA, RNA, Long Noncoding, RNA, Untranslated, Sex Chromatin, Stem Cells, Transcription Factors, Tumor Cells, Cultured, X Chromosome, Y Chromosome