In vivo Firre and Dxz4 deletion elucidates roles for autosomal gene regulation

Recent evidence has determined that the conserved X chromosome “mega-structures” controlled by the Firre and Dxz4 alleles are not required for X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in cell lines. Here we determined the in vivo contribution of these alleles individually and in combination and found that mutant mice are viable, fertile and show no defect in random or imprinted XCI. However, the lack of these elements results in many dysregulated genes on autosomes in an organ-specific manner, suggesting that these X-linked loci are involved in autosomal gene regulation rather than XCI biology. Overall design: RNA-seq from Firre and/or Dxz4 deletion mouse strains (embryonic, extraembryonic and adult organs)