X-chromosome-located microRNAs in immunity: Might they explain male/female differences? : The X chromosome-genomic context may affect X-located miRNAs and downstream signaling, thereby contributing to the enhanced immune response of females
✍ Scribed by Iris Pinheiro; Lien Dejager; Claude Libert
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 2011
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 552 KB
- Volume
- 33
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0265-9247
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✦ Synopsis
Abstract
In this paper, we hypothesize that X chromosome‐associated mechanisms, which affect X‐linked genes and are behind the immunological advantage of females, may also affect X‐linked microRNAs. The human X chromosome contains 10% of all microRNAs detected so far in the human genome. Although the role of most of them has not yet been described, several X chromosome‐located microRNAs have important functions in immunity and cancer. We therefore provide a detailed map of all described microRNAs located on human and mouse X chromosomes, and highlight the ones involved in immune functions and oncogenesis. The unique mode of inheritance of the X chromosome is ultimately the cause of the immune disadvantage of males and the enhanced survival of females following immunological challenges. How these aspects influence X‐linked microRNAs will be a challenge for researchers in the coming years, not only from an evolutionary point of view, but also from the perspective of disease etiology.