A role for non-coding Tsix transcription in partitioning chromatin domains within the mouse X-inactivation centre

作者：Navarro Pablo; Chantalat Sophie; Foglio Mario; Chureau Corinne; Vigneau Sebastien; Clerc Philippe; Avner Philip; Rougeulle Claire^*

来源：Epigenetics and Chromatin, 2009, 2(1): 8.

DOI：10.1186/1756-8935-2-8

Background: Delimiting distinct chromatin domains is essential for temporal and spatial regulation of gene expression. Within the X-inactivation centre region (Xic), the Xist locus, which triggers X-inactivation, is juxtaposed to a large domain of H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3).
Results: We describe here that developmentally regulated transcription of Tsix, a crucial non-coding antisense to Xist, is required to block the spreading of the H3K27me3 domain to the adjacent H3K4me2-rich Xist region. Analyses of a series of distinct Tsix mutations suggest that the underlying mechanism involves the RNA Polymerase II accumulating at the Tsix 3'-end. Furthermore, we report additional unexpected long-range effects of Tsix on the distal sub-region of the Xic, involved in Xic-Xic trans-interactions.
Conclusion: These data point toward a role for transcription of non-coding RNAs as a developmental strategy for the establishment of functionally distinct domains within the mammalian genome.

• 出版日期2009-7-20
• 单位中国地震局