The role of X chromosome in auto-immune diseases

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Health

Context:

A 2023 University of Oxford study shows autoimmune diseases affect about 10% of the population, with a higher incidence in women (13%) than men (7%).

Details:

The higher susceptibility of women to autoimmune diseases has puzzled researchers for decades, considering factors like environmental influences, genetics, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle habits.
However, Scientists discovered a molecular coating on one of the two X chromosomes in women, potentially explaining the gender disparity in autoimmune disease susceptibility.
X-Chromosome Inactivation:
- This molecular coating, a mix of RNA and proteins, is crucial for X-chromosome inactivation, ensuring only one set of X chromosomes is active in female cells.
Role of XIST Molecule:
- The process involves the XIST molecule, which mutes gene expression but allows some genes to escape inactivation, potentially leading to autoimmune diseases. XIST also triggers inflammatory immune responses and autoantibody production.

Experimental Findings:

Bioengineered male mice expressing a modified version of XIST showed increased autoantibody levels and immune cell activity when introduced to a lupus-like disease, indicating a susceptibility to autoimmune attacks.
Further studies are needed to identify specific XIST-related antigens contributing to sex-biased immunity, aiming for improved detection and diagnosis of autoimmune diseases in women.

Implications for Women:

Since XIST is expressed only in cells with two X chromosomes, this points to why women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases and attacks.

Source: TH