CCCTC-binding factor: to loop or to bridge.
Eukaryotic genomes have complex spatial organization in the nucleus. The factors and the mechanisms involved in this organization remain an enigma. Among the many proteins implicated in such a role, the ubiquitous Zn-finger protein CTCF stands out. Here we summarize the evidence placing CTCF in the enviable position of a master organizer of the genome. CTCF can form loops in cis, and can bridge sequences located on different chromosomes in trans. The thousands of CTCF binding sites, identified in recent genome-wide localization studies, and their distribution along the genome further support a crucial role of CTCF as a chromatin organizer.
Zlatanova
J
J
Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA. jordanka@uwyo.edu
Caiafa
P
P
D000818:Animals; D001665:Binding Sites; D000076246:CCCTC-Binding Factor; D016678:Genome; D055106:Genome-Wide Association Study; D018392:Genomic Imprinting; D006801:Humans; D038101:Insulator Elements; D011487:Protein Conformation; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014960:X Chromosome
D000076246:CCCTC-Binding Factor; C000619697:CTCF protein, human; D012097:Repressor Proteins