X‐chromosome‐located microRNAs in immunity: might they explain male/female differences? The X chromosome‐genomic context may affect X‐located miRNAs and …

I Pinheiro, L Dejager, C Libert - Bioessays, 2011 - Wiley Online Library
I Pinheiro, L Dejager, C Libert
Bioessays, 2011Wiley Online Library
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 …
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.
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