Genes that escape from X-chromosome inactivation and sexual dimorphism of systemic lupus erythematosus

Yi Chuan. 2024 Jan 20;46(1):18-33. doi: 10.16288/j.yczz.23-214.

Abstract

X chromosome inactivation can balance the effects of the two X chromosomes in females, and emerging evidence indicates that numerous genes on the inactivated X chromosome have the potential to evade inactivation. The mechanisms of escape include modification of DNA, RNA, histone, epitope, and various regulatory proteins, as well as the spatial structure of chromatin. The study of X chromosome inactivation escape has paved the way for investigating sex dimorphism in human diseases, particularly autoimmune diseases. It has been demonstrated that the presence of TLR7, CD40L, IRAK-1, CXCR3, and CXorf21 significantly contributes to the prevalence of SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) in females. This article mainly reviews the molecular mechanisms underlying these genes that escape from X-chromosome inactivation and sexual dimorphism of systemic lupus erythematosus. Therefore, elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphism in SLE is not only crucial for diagnosing and treating the disease, but also holds theoretical significance in comprehensively understanding the development and regulatory mechanisms of the human immune system.

X染色体失活可平衡女性中两条X染色体的基因剂量。越来越多的证据表明,失活X染色体上存在许多能够逃逸失活的基因。逃逸的机制涉及到DNA、RNA、组蛋白的表观修饰以及众多的调控蛋白和染色质的空间结构。失活X染色体基因逃逸的研究为人类疾病(特别是自身免疫性疾病)性别二态性的研究开辟了新的途径。目前已证实包括TLR7、CD40L、IRAK-1、CXCR3、CXorf21等失活X染色体基因逃逸是系统性红斑狼疮(systemic lupus erythematosus,SLE)女性好发的重要原因。本文主要综述了失活X染色体上基因逃逸以及与SLE性别二态性形成的分子机制。阐明SLE性别二态性形成的分子机制,不仅对疾病的诊断、治疗具有重要意义,而且对深入揭示人类免疫系统的发育及调控机理也有重要的理论意义。.

Keywords: escape; gene; inactive X chromosome; sexual dimorphism; systemic lupus erythematosus.

MeSH terms

  • Chromosomes, Human, X / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immune System
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / genetics
  • Sex Characteristics
  • X Chromosome Inactivation* / genetics