Research

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Title :

A novel enhancer-RNA in XIsT regulation

Area of research :

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Focus area :

Genetic Engineering

Principal Investigator :

Dr. srimonta Gayen, Indian Institute of science, Bangalore, Karnataka

Timeline Start Year :

2024

Timeline End Year :

2027

Contact info :

Details

Executive Summary :

In the mouse, one of the X-chromosomes becomes transcriptionally inactive to compensate for sex-chromosome dosage. This process occurs in two forms: imprinted and random. X-inactivation is orchestrated by Xist, which expresses and coats the entire inactive-X. Xist recruits repressive factors and modulates the 3-dimensional architecture of the X to improve heterochromatinization. However, genetic studies have often disproven these models, so a detailed understanding of Xist regulation is crucial. A novel enhancer element (UPXist-enhancer) has been found at the upstream region of Xist in mouse extraembryonic endoderm stem cells (XEN), which undergo imprinted X-inactivation. This enhancer actively transcribes and produces an eRNA (UPXist-eRNA), which plays a significant role in spatio-temporal gene regulation. The researchers aim to characterize the role of UPXist-enhancer or eRNA in Xist regulation and X-inactivation through luciferase reporter assay, 5' and 3' RACE, RT-PCR, and RNA-FIsH. They will also investigate if UPXist-enhancer or eRNA function is conserved in random X-inactivation in epiblast stem cells (EpisC). This study will provide significant insight into Xist regulation, evolution of X-inactivation, and eRNA biology.

Total Budget (INR):

45,16,600

Organizations involved