XIST

Identification (biology)

Mathematics

Domain (mathematical analysis)

X-inactivation

Biology

Gene

Gene silencing

Mathematical analysis

X chromosome

Computer science

Botany

Computational biology

CRISPR

Genetics

Scientific Reports

Despite essential roles played by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in development and disease, methods to determine lncRNA cis -elements are lacking. Here, we developed a screening method named “Tiling CRISPR” to identify lncRNA functional domains. Using this approach, we identified Xist A-Repeats as the silencing domain, an observation in agreement with published work, suggesting Tiling CRISPR feasibility. Mechanistic analysis suggested a novel function for Xist A-repeats in promoting Xist transcription. Overall, our method allows mapping of lncRNA functional domains in an unbiased and potentially high-throughput manner to facilitate the understanding of lncRNA functions.

Identification of a Xist silencing domain by Tiling CRISPR