[Structural heterochromatin and X-chromosome inactivation]

Abstract

Our previous studies on the expression of the G6PD and alpha-GAL genes from the X chromosome of inter-specific hybrids of voles of the Microtus genus have demonstrated an unusual pattern of X-inactivation in the parents. The observed phenomenon was explained as the presumable result of nonrandom inactivation of the X chromosomes with a heterochromatin block in crosses involving Microtus arvalis whose X lacks a heterochromatin region and also of random X inactivation when both parents had heterochromatin blocks on the Xs. Based on known models, we discuss here the possible mechanisms of the effect of heterochromatin on X-inactivation; we give preference to the model postulating binding of nonhistone protein to the inactivation centre as the key event. The hypothesis we offer suggests change in chromatin conformation in the inactivation centre during packaging of heterochromatic region of a chromosome; the protein molecules diffusing along the chromosome towards the heterochromatin region by the "facilitated diffusion" mechanism may happen to be in the region of the X-inactivation centre, which, being in a favorable state, binds specifically to it; as a consequence, the binding probability of protein to heterochromatin increases as compared to chromosome without heterochromatin block.