The element(s) at the nontranscribed Xist locus of the active X chromosome controls chromosomal replication timing in the mouse

In female mammalian cells, the inactive X chromosome is replicated late in S phase while the active X chromosome is replicated earlier. The replication times of the X chromosomes reflect a general trend in which late replication is associated with gene repression and earlier replication with transcriptional competence. The X-linked Xist gene is expressed exclusively from the inactive X chromosome where it is involved in the initiation and maintenance of X-inactivation. In contrast, no biological activity has been assigned to the Xist locus of the active X chromosome where the Xist gene is transcriptionally silenced. Here, we provide evidence that the element(s) at the nontranscribed Xist locus of the active X chromosome controls chromosomal replication timing in cis.