This study shows Netrin-1 supports naive pluripotency in hESCs by modulating epigenetic and signaling pathways, with effects dependent on culture conditions.

bioRxiv · Jul 16, 2026 · PreprintCell Biology

XIST Drives X-Chromosome Inactivation and Safeguards Female Extraembryonic Cells in Humans

Amitesh Panda, Leo Carrillo, Bradley Philip Balaton, Jeanne Brouillet, Solomon Nshemereirwe, Jarne Bonroy, Charbel Alfeghaly, Romina Facchinello, Sherif Khodeer, Ruben Boers, Gaël Castel, Charlie London, Emmanuel Cazottes, Madeleine Moscatelli, Raissa Songwa Tchinda, , Vincent Pasque

This study shows that XIST is required for XCI in human extraembryonic cells, which is essential for their survival and development.

bioRxiv · Nov 19, 2025 · PreprintDevelopmental Biology

XIST dampens X chromosome activity in a SPEN-dependent manner during early human development

Charbel Alfeghaly, Gaël Castel, Emmanuel Cazottes, Madeleine Moscatelli, Eva Moinard, Miguel Casanova, Juliette Boni, Kasturi Mahadik, Jenna Lammers, Thomas Fréour, Louis Chauvière, Carla Piqueras, Ruben Boers, Joachim Boers, Joost H. Gribnau, , Claire Rougeulle

The paper shows XIST reduces X chromosome activity through SPEN-dependent mechanisms before XCI in human embryos, while XACT does not significantly affect XIST function.

Nature Structural & Molecular Biology · Jun 4, 2024Peer-reviewedMolecular Biology

Extensive remodelling of XIST regulatory networks during primate evolution

Emmanuel Cazottes, Charbel Alfeghaly, Cloé Rognard, Agnese Loda, Gaël Castel, Laura Villacorta, Michael X. Dong, Édith Heard, Irène Aksoy, Pierre Savatier, Céline Morey, Claire Rougeulle

The paper examines how XIST regulatory networks evolve in primates, showing extensive diversification and the role of transposons and enhancers in different species.

bioRxiv · Dec 4, 2023 · PreprintGenomics