Women suffer from autoimmune diseases four times more than men. A molecule called Xist (pronounced "exist") is a central factor in these diseases.
The molecule exists only in the female body. It inhibits one of the two X chromosomes in women, which is designed to prevent excess production of proteins. In the process of inhibition, Xist produces assemblies of molecules linked to many autoimmune diseases. A better understanding of the role of the molecule may lead to the creation of tests that will detect autoimmune diseases at an earlier stage, and even to better treatments.