Posttranscriptional control of X-chromosome dosage compensation

Abstract

RNA regulation plays a major role in the generation of diversity at the molecular and cellular levels, and furnishes the cell with flexibility potential to adapt to changing environments. Often, the regulation by/of RNA dictates when, where, and how the information encoded in the nucleus is revealed. One example is the regulation of X-chromosome dosage compensation. In Drosophila, differences in X-linked gene dosage between males and females are compensated by the transcriptional upregulation of the single male X chromosome. Mechanisms of alternative splicing and translational control, among others, enforce dosage compensation in males while inhibiting this process in females. In this review, we discuss the posttranscriptional RNA regulatory mechanisms that ensure appropriate dosage compensation in Drosophila, drawing parallels with the mammalian system when appropriate.