Familial skewed X-chromosome inactivation linked to a component of the cohesin complex, SA2

J Hum Genet. 2011 May;56(5):390-7. doi: 10.1038/jhg.2011.25. Epub 2011 Mar 17.

Abstract

The gene dosage inequality between females with two X-chromosomes and males with one is compensated for by X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), which ensures the silencing of one X in every somatic cell of female mammals. XCI in humans results in a mosaic of two cell populations: those expressing the maternal X-chromosome and those expressing the paternal X-chromosome. We have previously shown that the degree of mosaicism (the X-inactivation pattern) in a Canadian family is directly related to disease severity in female carriers of the X-linked recessive bleeding disorder, haemophilia A. The distribution of X-inactivation patterns in this family was consistent with a genetic trait having a co-dominant mode of inheritance, suggesting that XCI choice may not be completely random. To identify genetic elements that could be responsible for biased XCI choice, a linkage analysis was undertaken using an approach tailored to accommodate the continuous nature of the X-inactivation pattern phenotype in the Canadian family. Several X-linked regions were identified, one of which overlaps with a region previously found to be linked to familial skewed XCI. SA2, a component of the cohesin complex is identified as a candidate gene that could participate in XCI through its association with CTCF.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Canada
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics*
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / genetics*
  • Chromosomes, Human, X / genetics*
  • Cohesins
  • Factor VIII / genetics
  • Female
  • Genetic Linkage
  • Genotype
  • Hemophilia A / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Pedigree
  • X Chromosome Inactivation / genetics*

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Factor VIII