This study shows Xist RNA localizes to A1-sub-compartments on the X chromosome, which are positioned peripherally in compacted chromosome territories.

bioRxiv · May 21, 2026 · PreprintGenetics

N6-methyladenosine and the NEXT complex direct Xist RNA turnover and X inactivation dynamics

Guifeng Wei, Heather A. Coker, Lisa Rodermund, Mafalda R. Almeida, Holly L. Roach, Tatyana B. Nesterova, Neil Brockdorff

This study shows that m6A modification on Xist RNA promotes its turnover, which regulates XCI dynamics, and that the NEXT complex mediates this turnover independently of YTHDC1.

bioRxiv · Jan 9, 2025 · PreprintBiochemistry

Xist-mediated silencing requires additive functions of SPEN and Polycomb together with differentiation-dependent recruitment of SmcHD1

Joseph S. Bowness, Tatyana B. Nesterova, Guifeng Wei, Lisa Rodermund, Mafalda R. Almeida, Heather A. Coker, Emma J. Carter, Artun Kadaster, Neil Brockdorff

The paper shows SPEN and Polycomb work together in parallel for Xist-mediated gene silencing, and SmcHD1 recruitment is needed for silencing X-linked genes during differentiation.

Cell Reports · May 1, 2022Peer-reviewedMolecular Biology

Time-resolved structured illumination microscopy reveals key principles of Xist RNA spreading

Lisa Rodermund, Heather A. Coker, Roel Oldenkamp, Guifeng Wei, Joseph S. Bowness, Bramman Rajkumar, Tatyana B. Nesterova, David Miguel Susano Pinto, Lothar Schermelleh, Neil Brockdorff

The paper visualizes Xist RNA dynamics in single cells during X chromosome inactivation using time-resolved structured illumination microscopy.

Science · Jun 10, 2021Peer-reviewedDevelopmental Biology