Escape from X inactivation is directly modulated by Xist non-coding RNA [ATAC-seq]

X-chromosome inactivation silences one copy of the X-chromosome in female cells, but a number of genes escapes this inactivation. We asked whether increased levels of Xist RNA, the molecular actor driving X-inactivation, impacts epigenetic marks around escapees. To this end, we performed chromatin accessibility profiling of X-linked genes in clonal neural progenitor cell lines to identify cis-regulatory elements active in these cell lines. Overall design: Clonal neural progenitor cell lines were generated by differentiating first generation hybrid embryonic stem cells (from a C57BL6/J x CAST/EiJ cross). All cell lines carry an inactive B6 X chromosome. Chromatin accessibility was measured in two replicates using ATAC-Seq.