title: The role of CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) in genomic imprinting, development, and reproduction.
abstract: CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is the major protein involved in insulator activity in vertebrates, with widespread DNA binding sites in the genome. CTCF participates in many processes related to global chromatin organization and remodeling, contributing to the repression or activation of gene transcription. It is also involved in epigenetic reprogramming and is essential during gametogenesis and embryo development. Abnormal DNA methylation patterns at CTCF motifs may impair CTCF binding to DNA, and are related to fertility disorders in mammals. Therefore, CTCF and its binding sites are important candidate regions to be investigated as molecular markers for gamete and embryo quality. This article reviews the role of CTCF in genomic imprinting, gametogenesis, and early embryo development and, moreover, highlights potential opportunities for environmental influences associated with assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) to affect CTCF-mediated processes. We discuss the potential use of CTCF as a molecular marker for assessing gamete and embryo quality in the context of improving the efficiency and safety of ARTs.
authors.affiliation: Embrapa Genetic Resources & Biotechnology, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Parque Estação Biológica, Brasília, Brazil mauricio.franco@embrapa.br.
authors.forename: Maurício M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Franco
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Adam R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Prickett
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Rebecca J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Oakey
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000076246:CCCTC-Binding Factor; D019175:DNA Methylation; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000235:genetics; D005298:Fertility / Q000235:genetics; D005718:Gametogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D018392:Genomic Imprinting / Q000235:genetics*; D048788:Growth and Development / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000235:genetics*; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
chemical_list: D000076246:CCCTC-Binding Factor; C000619697:CTCF protein, human; D012097:Repressor Proteins
keywords: assisted reproductive technology; chromatin; early development; epigenetics; genomic imprinting