X-linked deletion of Crossfirre, Firre, and Dxz4 in vivo uncovers diverse phenotypes and combinatorial effects on autosomes.

Nature communications
Authors
Abstract

The lncRNA Crossfirre was identified as an imprinted X-linked gene, and is transcribed antisense to the trans-acting lncRNA Firre. The Firre locus forms an inactive-X-specific interaction with Dxz4, both loci providing the platform for the largest conserved chromatin structures. Here, we characterize the epigenetic profile of these loci, revealing them as the most female-specific accessible regions genome-wide. To address their in vivo role, we perform one of the largest X-linked knockout studies by deleting Crossfirre, Firre, and Dxz4 individually and in combination. Despite their distinct epigenetic features observed on the X chromosome, our allele-specific analysis uncovers these loci as dispensable for imprinted and random X chromosome inactivation. However, we provide evidence that Crossfirre affects autosomal gene regulation but only in combination with Firre. To shed light on the functional role of these sex-specific loci, we perform an extensive standardized phenotyping pipeline and uncover diverse knockout and sex-specific phenotypes. Collectively, our study provides the foundation for exploring the intricate interplay of conserved X-linked loci in vivo.

Year of Publication
2024
Journal
Nature communications
Volume
15
Issue
1
Pages
10631
Date Published
12/2024
ISSN
2041-1723
DOI
10.1038/s41467-024-54673-5
PubMed ID
39638999
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