CTCF binding protein and epigenetic regulations of genome

CTCF is a highly conserved DNA-binding protein involved in transcription regulation, chromatin insulation, genomic imprinting, X-chromosome inactivation, higher-order chromatin organization, and alternative splicing. These multifunctional properties of CTCF suggest an essential role in development and disease. CTCF is unique protein that known to mediate insulation function in vertebrates. Recent studies proposed that CTCF can be a heritable component in epigenetic and regulating the interaction between DNA methylation, higher-order chromatin structure, and developmentally regulated gene expression. In this review, we discuss roles of CTCF in these critical aspects of genome regulation. All information indicates that CTCF can emerge as a master weaver of the mammalian genome.