In molecular biology, FTX transcript, XIST regulator (non-protein coding), also known as FTX (Five prime to Xist), is a long non-coding RNA. In humans, it is located on the X chromosome

X chromosome

The X chromosome is one of the two sex-determining chromosomes in many animal species, including mammals and is common in both males and females. It is a part of the XY sex-determination system and X0 sex-determination system...

. It was identified during sequence

DNA sequence

The sequence or primary structure of a nucleic acid is the composition of atoms that make up the nucleic acid and the chemical bonds that bond those atoms. Because nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are unbranched polymers, this specification is equivalent to specifying the sequence of...

 analysis of the X inactivation centre, surrounding the XIST gene

XIST (gene)

Xist is an RNA gene on the X chromosome of the placental mammals that acts as major effector of the X inactivation process. It is a component of the Xic - X-chromosome inactivation centre - along with two other RNA genes and two protein genes...

. FTX contains several microRNAs within its introns. It upregulates expression of XIST, and inhibits DNA methylation

DNA methylation

DNA methylation is a biochemical process that is important for normal development in higher organisms. It involves the addition of a methyl group to the 5 position of the cytosine pyrimidine ring or the number 6 nitrogen of the adenine purine ring...

 of the XIST promoter.