X-inactivation patterns in human embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues

Mice have skewed X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in extraembryonic tissue while examination of human placentae have yielded conflicting results. We investigated XCI patterns in human embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. First and early second trimester placental and foetal tissues were collected. Cytotrophoblasts were isolated from the placentae. Female samples were identified and X-inactivation patterns were determined by analysis of androgen receptor (HAR) methylation patterns. Among 55 females heterozygous at the HAR, 37 had random and 18 skewed XCI. In foetal tissues a skewed XCI pattern was only observed in one liver and one intestine sample. A greater incidence of skewed XCI pattern was present in extra-embryonic compared to embryonic tissues (P=0.022). A markedly skewed XCI pattern was only found in one cytotrophoblast sample. Random and skewed XCI patterns were detected in human embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. The extra-embryonic tissue had a higher proportion of skewed XCI, but marked skewed XCI was uncommon in both tissues. Skewed XCI may not play a role in normal human placentation. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.