Article Abstract:
A model for X chromatin recognition by the dosage compensation complex in Drosophila is presented. Two genes, roX1 and roX2, are believed to be responsible for providing the entry sites for the MSL dosage compensation complex to recognize the male X chromosome. The roX1 gene, in particular, provides the nucleation site for the extensive spread of the MSL complex into flanking chromatin. The spreading can happen in cis or in trans between paired homologues despite being moved to an autosome.
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Article Abstract:
Genetic analysis shows that dosage compensation in Drosophila is regulated primarily by the sex-lethal (Sxl) gene and hypertranscription depends on the autosomal male-specific lethal genes (msl) and maleless (mle). DNA binding experiments showed that Sxl prevents hypertranscription of the female X chromosomes by preventing mle from binding to the X chromosomes. In contrast, mle binding required the presence of the msl genes, leading to hypertranscription.
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Article Abstract:
roX1 (RNA on the X), an X-linked gene from Drosophila, was cloned and characterized by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. It produces RNAs that are male-specific, somatic and preferentially expressed in the central nervous system where it is regulated by a novel pathway. The subnuclear localization of roX1 RNA makes them candidates for an RNA component of the dosage compensation machinery.
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