X Chromosome Inactivation and Autoimmunity

Autoimmune diseases appear to have multiple contributing factors including genetics, epigenetics, environmental factors, and aging. The predominance of females among patients with autoimmune diseases suggests possible involvement of the X chromosome and X chromosome inactivation. X chromosome inactivation is an epigenetic event resulting in multiple levels of control for modulation of the expression of X-linked genes in normal female cells such that there remains only one active X chromosome in the cell. The extent of this control is unique among the chromosomes and has the potential for problems when regulation is disrupted. Here we discuss the X chromosome inactivation process and how the X chromosome and X chromosome inactivation may be involved in development of autoimmune disorders.