XIST Gene

New studies all over the world have brought to light a newly discovered gene called the Xist gene. This gene is thought to be able to aid in the treatment of chromosomal disorder like trisomy 21; down syndrome. It would aid in the treatment as so far research has showed that the xist gene is able to silence a chromosome. With the help of this newfound ''cure'' researchers would be able to identify reasons behind chromosomal disorder and then develop treatments and ways of prevention.

What is the XIST gene?
The xist gene is an RNA gene found on one of the two X chromosomes in all mammalian females. During a female's development one of the two X chromosomes inside her is silenced by something called a heterochromatin formation; which is a tightly packed form of DNA. This is done in order to make sure that a process called X inactivation occurs. X inactivation is the process in which the heterochromatin formation ensures that equal levels of the X-linked gene are expressed in both,  XX females and XY males.