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 : | srimonta@iisc.ac.in |
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