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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 22, 2026

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers

Published on: September 20, 2018

Genomic imprinting: CTCF protects the boundaries.

Annabelle Lewis¹, Adele Murrell

¹Laboratory of Developmental Genetics and Imprinting, Developmental Genetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, CB2 4AT, UK.

Current Biology : CB

|April 6, 2004

Summary

The DNA-binding protein CTCF protects the H19 gene's differentially methylated domain from new methylation in the female germline. This finding reveals CTCF's crucial role in maintaining epigenetic regulation during mammalian development.

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Area of Science:

Epigenetics
Genomics
Developmental Biology

Background:

The CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is a key transcriptional regulator and insulator protein in mammals.
CTCF influences gene expression through interactions with chromatin and DNA methylation.
Imprinted genes, such as Insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) and H19, are subject to parent-of-origin-specific expression regulated by epigenetic marks.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of CTCF in the epigenetic regulation of the H19 gene in the female germline.
To determine if CTCF protects the H19 differentially methylated domain (DMD) against de novo methylation.

Main Methods:

Analysis of DNA methylation patterns in the H19 DMD in germline cells.
Assessment of CTCF binding at the H19 DMD.
Functional studies to evaluate the necessity of CTCF for methylation protection.

Main Results:

CTCF binds to the H19 DMD in the female germline.
Loss of CTCF function leads to de novo methylation of the H19 DMD.
CTCF is essential for preventing aberrant methylation during oogenesis.

Conclusions:

CTCF acts as a protective factor against de novo methylation at the H19 DMD in the female germline.
CTCF-mediated protection is crucial for maintaining the correct epigenetic status of imprinted genes.
These findings highlight the intricate mechanisms governing germline epigenetic inheritance.