X-chromosome inactivation

In the XY sex-determination system, gene dosage mechanisms are required in individuals with XX chromosomes to compensate for excessive expression of X-linked genes. Mary Lyon first proposed that X-chromosomes are randomly inactivated in 1961, and subsequent work over the decades that followed has made significant progress in understanding the mechanism of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI). These advances include the discovery of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Xist that has a crucial role in gene silencing.

The EMBO workshop ‘X-chromosome inactivation: New insights on its 60th anniversary’ was originally scheduled for 2021 to recognise 60 years since Mary Lyon put forward her hypothesis. Although delayed until 2023, the meeting brought together researchers from the different fields that emerged from this central idea, such as allelic choice, epigenetics and chromosome regulation. This collection highlights recent review-type articles covering these topics, as well as a Meeting Review of the workshop itself. Development is keen to continue supporting these fields and welcomes submissions from the community.