Autoimmune disease may be explained by role of Xist molecule in female biology
An ongoing medical mystery surrounds why women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases. One possibility comes from research carried out at Stanford University. The research suggests that female biology, specifically how the body handles its extra X chromosome, may increase susceptibility to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. These diseases involve the immune system attacking healthy cells and tissues.
It's standard practice for doctors to renew their medical licenses by taking exams. During this process, Dr. Howard Chang, a genetics professor at Stanford, made a connection. He noticed that the proteins Xist works with to silence the X chromosome have a connection to autoimmune disorders that manifest in the skin. Dr. Chang speculated that clumps of protein molecules that arise when Xist connects with the X chromosome could trigger autoimmune disease. To investigate this theory, Dr. Chang used genetically modified male mice and tested for signs of autoimmunity. The results showed that males developed autoantibodies at a comparable rate to females. This suggested that autoantibodies were provoked by proteins that bind to Xist.
To confirm these findings, Dr. Chang's team analyzed blood serum samples from people with and without autoimmune diseases. They found that samples from patients with autoimmune diseases produced more autoantibodies associated with proteins linked to Xist. This suggested Xist played a significant role in autoimmune disease. However, environmental factors also contribute to autoimmune diseases. Therefore, further research is needed to confirm the role of Xist in autoimmune disease and develop treatments.
The results also suggest Xist may be a diagnostic marker for autoimmune diseases and could speed up diagnosis. As autoimmune diseases are chronic, early diagnosis is crucial for treatment and management. This research demonstrates the importance of investigating the female body's handling of its extra X chromosome and its potential connection to autoimmune diseases.