1.
Biochem Cell Biol
; 86(5): 370-9, 2008 Oct.
Artículo
en Inglés
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18923538
RESUMEN
The silent X chromosome in mammalian females is a classic example of facultative heterochromatin, the term highlighting the compacted and inactive nature of the chromosome. However, it is now clear that the heterochromatin of the inactive X is not homogeneous--as indeed, not all genes on the inactive X are silenced. We summarize known features and events of X inactivation in different mouse and human model systems, and highlight the heterogeneity of chromatin along the inactive X. Characterizing this heterogeneity is likely to provide insight into the cis-acting sequences involved in X chromosome inactivation.