Convergence in LINE-1 nucleotide variations can benefit redundantly forming triplexes with lncRNA in mammalian X-chromosome inactivation

3plex enables deep computational investigation of triplex forming lncRNAs

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate gene expression through different molecular mechanisms, including DNA binding via the formation of RNA:DNA:DNA triple helices (TPXs). Despite the increasing amount of experimental evidence, TPXs investigation remains challenging. Here we present 3plex, a software able to predict TPX interactions in silico. Given an RNA sequence and a set of DNA sequences, 3plex integrates 1) Hoogsteen pairing rules that describe the biochemical interactions between RNA and DNA nucleotides, 2) RNA secondary structure prediction and 3) determination of the TPX thermal stability derived from a collection of TPX experimental evidences. We systematically collected and uniformly re-analysed published experimental lncRNA binding sites on human and mouse genomes. We used these data to evaluate 3plex performance and showed that its specific features allow a reliable identification of TPX interactions. We compared 3plex with the other available software and obtained comparable or even better accuracy at a fraction of the computation time. Interestingly, by inspecting collected data with 3plex we found that TPXs tend to be shorter and more degenerated than previously expected and that the majority of analysed lncRNAs can directly bind to the genome by TPX formation. Those results suggest that an important fraction of lncRNAs can exert its biological function through this mechanism. The software is available at https://github.com/molinerisLab/3plex.

Epigenetics drive the evolution of sex chromosomes in animals and plants

We review how epigenetics affect sex chromosome evolution in animals and plants. In a few species, sex is determined epigenetically through the action of Y-encoded small RNAs. Epigenetics is also responsible for changing the sex of individuals through time, even in species that carry sex chromosomes, and could favour species adaptation through breeding system plasticity. The Y chromosome accumulates repeats that become epigenetically silenced which leads to an epigenetic conflict with the expression of Y genes and could accelerate Y degeneration. Y heterochromatin can be lost through ageing, which activates transposable elements and lowers male longevity. Y chromosome degeneration has led to the evolution of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation in eutherians (placentals) and marsupials, and dosage compensation mechanisms in animals and plants. X-inactivation convergently evolved in eutherians and marsupials via two independently evolved non-coding RNAs. In Drosophila, male X upregulation by the male specific lethal (MSL) complex can spread to neo-X chromosomes through the transposition of transposable elements that carry an MSL-binding motif. We discuss similarities and possible differences between plants and animals and suggest future directions for this dynamic field of research. This article is part of the theme issue 'How does epigenetics influence the course of evolution?'

Seq'ing identity and function in a repeat-derived noncoding RNA world

Innovations in high-throughout sequencing approaches are being marshaled to both reveal the composition of the abundant and heterogeneous noncoding RNAs that populate cell nuclei and lend insight to the mechanisms by which noncoding RNAs influence chromosome biology and gene expression. This review focuses on some of the recent technological developments that have enabled the isolation of nascent transcripts and chromatin-associated and DNA-interacting RNAs. Coupled with emerging genome assembly and analytical approaches, the field is poised to achieve a comprehensive catalog of nuclear noncoding RNAs, including those derived from repetitive regions within eukaryotic genomes. Herein, particular attention is paid to the challenges and advances in the sequence analyses of repeat and transposable element-derived noncoding RNAs and in ascribing specific function(s) to such RNAs.

A novel Xist RNA-mediated chromosome inactivation model using a mouse artificial chromosome

OBJECTIVE

To develop a mouse artificial chromosome (MAC) carrying the mouse Xist gene (X-inactive specific transcript; Xist-MAC) as a systematic in vitro approach for investigating Xist RNA-mediated chromosome inactivation.

RESULTS

Ectopic expression of the Xist gene in CHO cells led to the accumulation of Xist RNA in cis on the MAC. In addition, the introduction of Xist-MAC to embryonic stem cells from male mice via microcell-mediated chromosome transfer resulted in the accumulation of Xist RNA in cis on the MAC. Chromosomal inactivation was observed in the differentiated state. Moreover, this phenomenon was accompanied by the epigenetic modification of H3K27 trimethylation.

CONCLUSIONS

We successfully generated a novel chromosome inactivation model, Xist-MAC, which will provide a valuable tool for the screening and functional analysis of X chromosome inactivation-related genes and proteins.

Nonendocrine mechanisms of sex bias in rheumatic diseases

Rheumatic diseases affect a wide range of individuals of all ages, but the most common diseases occur more frequently in women than in men, at ratios of up to ten women to one man. Despite a growing number of studies on sex bias in rheumatic diseases, sex-specific health care is limited and sex specificity is not systematically integrated into treatment regimens. Women and men differ in three major biological points: the number of X chromosomes per cell, the type and quantities of sex hormones present and the ability to be pregnant, all of which have immunological consequences. Could a greater understanding of these differences lead to a new era of personalized sex-specific medicine? This Review focuses on the main genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that have been put forward to explain sex bias in rheumatic diseases, including X chromosome inactivation, sex chromosome aneuploidy and microchimerism. The influence of sex hormones is not discussed in detail in this Review, as it has been well described elsewhere. Understanding the sex-specific factors that contribute to the initiation and progression of rheumatic diseases will enable progress to be made in the diagnosis, treatment and management of all patients with these conditions.