 | It has been suggested that this article be merged into Sex linkage. (Discuss) Proposed since July 2024. |
An X-linked genetic disease is a disease inherited through a genetic defect on the X chromosome. In human cells, there is a pair of non-matching sex chromosomes, labelled X and Y. Females carry two X chromosomes, whereas males have one X and one Y chromosome. A disease or trait determined by a gene on the X chromosome demonstrates X-linked inheritance, which can be divided into dominant and recessive patterns.
The first X-linked genetic disorder described on paper was by John Dalton in 1794, then later in 1910, following Thomas Hunt Morgan's experiment, more about the sex-linked inheritance was understood. In 1961, Mary Lyon proposed the hypothesis of random X-chromosome inactivation providing the fundamental for understanding the mechanism of X-linked inheritance.
There is currently an estimation of 867 X-linked genes identified, with over 533 diseases related to X-linked genes. Common X-linked genetic diseases include Red-green colour blindness, which affects an individual's ability to see red or green images; X-linked agammaglobulinemia, resulting in a deficiency of immunity; Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, causing muscle weakness and immobility; Hemophilia A, leading to blood clotting deficiency. X-linked recessive diseases are more frequently encountered than dominant ones and predominantly affect males, with Red-green colour blindness having the highest prevalence among all.
Genetic screening including carrier screening, prenatal screening and newborn screening could be done on individuals for early detection of genetic defects. As there are many X-linked genetic diseases, the pathology and mechanism of each varies significantly, there is no clear-cut diagnosis and treatment for all diseases. Methods of diagnosis range from blood tests to genetic tests, while treatments range from specific medications to blood infusion.