The human Y and inactive X chromosomes similarly modulate autosomal gene expression

Epigenomic landscape of the human dorsal root ganglion: sex differences and transcriptional regulation of nociceptive genes

Gene expression is influenced by chromatin architecture via controlled access of regulatory factors to DNA. To better understand gene regulation in the human dorsal root ganglion (hDRG) we used bulk and spatial transposase-accessible chromatin technology followed by sequencing (ATAC-seq). Using bulk ATAC-seq, we detected that in females diverse differentially accessible chromatin regions (DARs) mapped to the X chromosome and in males to autosomal genes. EGR1/3 and SP1/4 transcription factor binding motifs were abundant within DARs in females, and JUN, FOS and other AP-1 factors in males. To dissect the open chromatin profile in hDRG neurons, we used spatial ATAC-seq. The neuron cluster showed higher chromatin accessibility in GABAergic, glutamatergic, and interferon-related genes in females, and in Ca2+- signaling-related genes in males. Sex differences in transcription factor binding sites in neuron-proximal barcodes were consistent with the trends observed in bulk ATAC-seq data. We validated that EGR1 expression is biased to female hDRG compared to male. Strikingly, XIST, the long-noncoding RNA responsible for X inactivation, hybridization signal was found to be highly dispersed in the female neuronal but not non-neuronal nuclei suggesting weak X inactivation in female hDRG neurons. Our findings point to baseline epigenomic sex differences in the hDRG that likely underlie divergent transcriptional responses that determine mechanistic sex differences in pain.

Characteristics and clinical evaluation of X chromosome translocations

BACKGROUND

Individuals with X chromosomal translocations, variable phenotypes, and a high risk of live birth defects are of interest for scientific study. These characteristics are related to differential breakpoints and various types of chromosomal abnormalities. To investigate the effects of X chromosome translocation on clinical phenotype, a retrospective analysis of clinical data for patients with X chromosome translocation was conducted. Karyotype analysis plus endocrine evaluation was utilized for all the patients. Additional semen analysis and Y chromosome microdeletions were assessed in male patients.

RESULTS

X chromosome translocations were detected in ten cases, including seven females and three males. Infantile uterus and no ovaries were detected in case 1 (FSH: 114 IU/L, LH: 30.90 mIU/mL, E2: < 5.00 pg/ml), and the karyotype was confirmed as 46,X,t(X;22)(q25;q11.2) in case 1. Infantile uterus and small ovaries were both visible in two cases (FSH: 34.80 IU/L, LH: 17.06 mIU/mL, E2: 15.37 pg/ml in case 2; FISH: 6.60 IU/L, LH: 1.69 mIU/mL, E2: 23.70 pg/ml in case 3). The karyotype was detected as 46,X,t(X;8)(q13;q11.2) in case 2 and 46,X,der(X)t(X;5)(q21;q31) in case 3. Normal reproductive hormone levels and fertility abilities were found for cases 4, 6 and 7. The karyotype were detected as 46,X,t(X;5)(p22.3;q22) in case 4 and 46,X,der(X)t(X;Y)(p22.3;q11.2) in cases 6 and 7. These patients exhibited unremarkable clinical manifestations but experienced a history of abnormal chromosomal pregnancy. Normal phenotype and a complex reciprocal translocation as 46,X,t(X;14;4)(q24;q22;q33) were observed in case 5 with a history of spontaneous abortions. In the three male patients, multiple semen analyses confirmed the absence of sperm. Y chromosome microdeletion and hormonal analyses were normal. The karyotypes were detected as 46,Y,t(X;8)(q26;q22), 46,Y,t(X;1)(q26;q23), 46,Y,t(X;3)(q26;p24), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides insights into individuals with X chromosome translocations. The clinical phenotypes are variable and unpredictable due to differences in breakpoints and X chromosome inactivation (XCI) patterns. Our results suggest that physicians should focus on the characteristics of the X chromosome translocations and provide personalized clinical evaluations in genetic counselling.

Out of the Silence: Insights into How Genes Escape X-Chromosome Inactivation

The silencing of all but one X chromosome in mammalian cells is a remarkable epigenetic process leading to near dosage equivalence in X-linked gene products between the sexes. However, equally remarkable is the ability of a subset of genes to continue to be expressed from the otherwise inactive X chromosome-in some cases constitutively, while other genes are variable between individuals, tissues or cells. In this review we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the approaches that have been used to identify escapees. The identity of escapees provides important clues to mechanisms underlying escape from XCI, an arena of study now moving from correlation to functional studies. As most escapees show greater expression in females, the not-so-inactive X chromosome is a substantial contributor to sex differences in humans, and we highlight some examples of such impact.