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Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Genome Editing with CompoZr Custom Zinc Finger Nucleases ZFNs
Published on: June 14, 2012
Evolving imprinting control regions: KRAB zinc fingers hold the key
Aimee M Juan1, Marisa S Bartolomei1
1Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Abstract:
The monoallelic parent of origin-specific expression of imprinted genes in mammals is regulated by differentially DNA methylated imprinting control regions (ICRs). In contrast to most of the genome, ICRs must maintain their DNA methylation and parental identity despite extensive epigenetic reprogramming that takes place after fertilization. Previous work demonstrated that the Krüppel-associated box (KRAB)-containing zinc finger protein (KZFP) ZFP57 protects select ICRs from demethylation and preserves parental identity. However, some loci are unaffected in Zfp57-null mice. Thus, it has been speculated that other KZFPs must be involved in this process. Takahashi and colleagues (pp. 49-54) now report one such KZFP: ZFP445.
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