Chromosome X News and Research

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The X chromosome is one of the two sex chromosomes in humans (the other is the Y chromosome). The sex chromosomes form one of the 23 pairs of human chromosomes in each cell. The X chromosome spans about 155 million base pairs (the building blocks of DNA) and represents approximately 5 percent of the total DNA in cells.

Each person normally has one pair of sex chromosomes in each cell. Females have two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y chromosome. Early in embryonic development in females, one of the two X chromosomes is randomly and permanently inactivated in somatic cells (cells other than egg and sperm cells). This phenomenon is called X-inactivation or Lyonization. X-inactivation ensures that females, like males, have one functional copy of the X chromosome in each body cell. Because X-inactivation is random, in normal females the X chromosome inherited from the mother is active in some cells, and the X chromosome inherited from the father is active in other cells.

Some genes on the X chromosome escape X-inactivation. These genes are located at the tip of the short (p) arm of the X chromosome in an area known as the pseudoautosomal region. Although many genes are unique to the X or Y chromosome, genes in the pseudoautosomal region are present on both chromosomes. As a result, men and women each have two functional copies of these genes. Many genes in the pseudoautosomal region are essential for normal development.

Identifying genes on each chromosome is an active area of genetic research. Because researchers use different approaches to predict the number of genes on each chromosome, the estimated number of genes varies. The X chromosome likely contains between 900 and 1,400 genes.

Genes on the X chromosome are among the estimated 20,000 to 25,000 total genes in the human genome.
ACMG's new guideline strongly recommends the use of noninvasive prenatal screening for fetal chromosome abnormalities

ACMG's new guideline strongly recommends the use of noninvasive prenatal screening for fetal chromosome abnormalities

New mutations near known genes could contribute to the increase in cleft lip and palate risk

New mutations near known genes could contribute to the increase in cleft lip and palate risk

Researchers discover previously unknown mechanism for how 'starvation response' is triggered

Researchers discover previously unknown mechanism for how 'starvation response' is triggered

Severity of COVID-19 in men may be due to the loss of Y chromosome

Severity of COVID-19 in men may be due to the loss of Y chromosome

Targeted therapies and novel drug combinations show promise for the treatment of multiple leukemias

Targeted therapies and novel drug combinations show promise for the treatment of multiple leukemias

People with Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome may benefit from participating in Alzheimer’s clinical trials

People with Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome may benefit from participating in Alzheimer’s clinical trials

Many genetic disorders respond well to specialized gene therapy

Many genetic disorders respond well to specialized gene therapy

Using Whole Exome Sequencing and Carrier Screening Tests for Birth Defects

Using Whole Exome Sequencing and Carrier Screening Tests for Birth Defects

The critical role of flow cytometry in CAR+ T-Cell trials

The critical role of flow cytometry in CAR+ T-Cell trials

CRC 1361 at JGU continues to achieve excellence in DNA repair and genome stability research

CRC 1361 at JGU continues to achieve excellence in DNA repair and genome stability research

UAB and Menkes International Association sign a donation agreement to boost research in Menkes disease

UAB and Menkes International Association sign a donation agreement to boost research in Menkes disease

What genes are associated with asthma exacerbations?

What genes are associated with asthma exacerbations?

New CRISPR-based tool can snip out faulty genes and replace them with new ones

New CRISPR-based tool can snip out faulty genes and replace them with new ones

Scientists develop RNA-targeting strategy to repair genetic cause of ALS and dementia

Scientists develop RNA-targeting strategy to repair genetic cause of ALS and dementia

New studies improve understanding of the genetic factors that protect people against COVID-19

New studies improve understanding of the genetic factors that protect people against COVID-19

MIT researchers develop new technique for genome-wide studies of the liver

MIT researchers develop new technique for genome-wide studies of the liver

New discovery reveals which patients will survive longer after receiving immunotherapy

New discovery reveals which patients will survive longer after receiving immunotherapy

Researchers provide new insights into the vexing process that makes HIV stealthy

Researchers provide new insights into the vexing process that makes HIV stealthy

Pitt scientists solve the mystery of how melanoma tumors control their mortality

Pitt scientists solve the mystery of how melanoma tumors control their mortality

High-quality reference genome assembly of the Nile rat facilitates diabetes research

High-quality reference genome assembly of the Nile rat facilitates diabetes research

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