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Functional roles of CTCF in breast cancer

Sumin Oh1, Chaeun Oh2, Kyung Hyun Yoo2

  • 1Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics, Department of Biological Science, and Research Institute of Women's Health, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea.

BMB Reports
|June 27, 2017
PubMed

Insights

CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor) is a zinc-finger protein crucial for gene regulation and chromatin structure. Its dysfunction is linked to tumorigenesis, particularly in breast cancer, highlighting its role in disease development.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor) is a multifunctional zinc-finger protein involved in gene regulation.
  • It acts as a transcription factor, recruiting co-activators and binding to gene promoters.
  • CTCF also functions as an insulator protein, shaping three-dimensional chromatin structure and potentially disrupting enhancer-promoter interactions.

Discussion:

  • Aberrant expression of CTCF or its target genes is implicated in various diseases, including cancer.
  • Molecular dysfunctions of CTCF can lead to tumorigenesis.
  • This review focuses on the specific roles and molecular mechanisms of CTCF in breast cancer development.

Key Insights:

  • CTCF's dual role as a transcription factor and insulator protein is critical for cellular function.
  • Disruptions in CTCF's regulatory activities can initiate or promote cancer.
  • Understanding CTCF's involvement is key to deciphering breast cancer pathogenesis.

Outlook:

  • Further research into CTCF's molecular dysfunction can reveal new therapeutic targets for breast cancer.
  • Investigating CTCF's role in maintaining chromatin architecture may provide insights into other diseases.
  • Continued study of CTCF's regulatory networks is essential for advancing cancer biology.

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