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Review
. 2015 Jun 5;47(6):e166.
doi: 10.1038/emm.2015.33.

CTCF as a multifunctional protein in genome regulation and gene expression

Somi Kim  1 , Nam-Kyung Yu  1 , Bong-Kiun Kaang  1
Affiliations
Review

CTCF as a multifunctional protein in genome regulation and gene expression

Somi Kim et al. Exp Mol Med. .

Abstract

CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is a highly conserved zinc finger protein and is best known as a transcription factor. It can function as a transcriptional activator, a repressor or an insulator protein, blocking the communication between enhancers and promoters. CTCF can also recruit other transcription factors while bound to chromatin domain boundaries. The three-dimensional organization of the eukaryotic genome dictates its function, and CTCF serves as one of the core architectural proteins that help establish this organization. The mapping of CTCF-binding sites in diverse species has revealed that the genome is covered with CTCF-binding sites. Here we briefly describe the diverse roles of CTCF that contribute to genome organization and gene expression.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
H19 and Igf2 gene expression is controlled by CTCF binding at the ICR. CTCF fails to bind to the methylated paternal ICR; thus, the enhancer (E) can induce Igf2 gene expression. However, CTCF binding to the unmethylated maternal ICR acts as a barricade between the Igf2 gene and the enhancer, activating H19 gene expression. CTCF, CCCTC-binding factor; ICR, imprinting control region.
Figure 2
Figure 2
CTCF and the cohesin complex can lead to transcriptional activation or repression in a binding site-dependent manner. For example, when CTCF and cohesin bind to their binding sites and create a chromatin loop that encompasses the enhancer and promoter, transcriptional activation occurs. Conversely, if CTCF and cohesin form a chromatin loop that prevents the enhancer from reaching the promoter, gene expression is repressed. CTCF, CCCTC-binding factor.
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