New Study Links X Chromosome Regulation to Higher Autoimmune Disease Risk in Women

Research identifies the RNA molecule Xist as a key factor in the gender disparity of autoimmune conditions.

A new study suggests that the regulation of X chromosomes in females may be the reason they are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases, with women being up to four times more susceptible than men.
The study, published in the journal Cell, identifies the long molecule of RNA called Xist as a key factor in predisposing females to autoimmune diseases by triggering an immune response against proteins.
Researchers found that male mice engineered to express Xist developed autoimmune diseases at rates similar to females, indicating the significant role of Xist beyond sex hormones.
The discovery of Xist's role in autoimmunity could lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments, as patients with autoimmune diseases showed higher levels of Xist autoantibodies.
Autoimmune diseases, affecting millions globally, have been on the rise, with this study shedding light on the genetic and environmental factors contributing to the gender disparity in these conditions.