X-chromosome-located microRNAs in immunity: might they explain male/female differences? The X chromosome-genomic context may affect X-located miRNAs and downstream signaling, thereby contributing to the enhanced immune response of females

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BioEssays 2011-11, Vol.33 (11), p.791-802
Main Authors: Pinheiro, Iris, Dejager, Lien, Libert, Claude
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Cell Differentiation
Female
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
Genes, X-Linked
Genome, Human
Humans
Immunity - genetics
Male
Mice
MicroRNAs - genetics
MicroRNAs - immunology
Mutation
Neoplasms - genetics
Neoplasms - immunology
Neoplasms - pathology
Sex Factors
Signal Transduction
X Chromosome - genetics
X Chromosome - immunology
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0265-9247
1521-1878
DOI:10.1002/bies.201100047