Title: Genetic and Epigenetic Influences on Female-Biased Autoimmunity
Description: Women with two X chromosomes are disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Our recent studies reveal that maintenance of X-chromosome inactivation in B cells is highly dynamic and relies on both Xist RNA-dependent and Xist-independent mechanisms to preserve the epigenetic state of the inactive X chromosome. In addition, disrupting Xist RNA-mediated X-chromosome inactivation specifically in B cells can promote aberrant B-cell activation, autoantibody production, and lupus-associated disease in female mice. Together, these findings identify maintenance of X-chromosome inactivation as an important regulator of B-cell function and provide a mechanistic link between the X chromosome and female-biased autoimmunity.
Amelia Crowe
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