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X-Chromosome Inactivation

Meaning

X-Chromosome Inactivation, also known as lyonization, is a fundamental epigenetic process in female mammalian somatic cells where one of the two X chromosomes is randomly and largely silenced. This process ensures dosage compensation, equalizing the expression of X-linked genes between XX females and XY males. This mosaic pattern of gene expression can have clinical implications for women’s health and susceptibility to certain X-linked conditions.