Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables ribonucleoprotein complex binding activity. Acts upstream of or within inactivation of paternal X chromosome by genomic imprinting; random inactivation of X chromosome; and spongiotrophoblast differentiation. Located in X chromosome and nuclear body. Is expressed in several structures, including central nervous system; early conceptus; genitourinary system; neural retina; and spleen. Orthologous to human XIST (X inactive specific transcript).