The role of CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) in genomic imprinting, development, and reproduction.
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.
['Franco|Maurício M|MM|', 'Prickett|Adam R|AR|', 'Oakey|Rebecca J|RJ|']
D000818:Animals D000076246:CCCTC-Binding Factor D019175:DNA Methylation D047108:Embryonic Development D005298:Fertility D005718:Gametogenesis D018392:Genomic Imprinting D048788:Growth and Development D006801:Humans D012097:Repressor Proteins D012098:Reproduction D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
genomic imprinting chromatin epigenetics assisted reproductive technology early development