P49711

CTCF is a member of the BORIS + CTCF gene family and encodes a transcriptional regulator protein with 11 highly conserved zinc finger (ZF) domains. CTCF plays a crucial role in gene regulation by recognizing long and diverse DNA sequences, which is essential for maintaining proper gene expression patterns. CTCF′s unique structure, characterized by 11 zinc finger motifs—10 of the C2H2 class and 1 of the C2HC class—enables binding to specific DNA regions, influencing transcription of numerous genes. CTCF acts as a repressor of the c-myc gene and regulates expression of the lysozyme gene, while also interacting with the promoter region of the amyloid beta-protein precursor (APP) gene to enhance transcription. This interaction promotes synapse formation between primary neurons during development, highlighting CTCF′s role in neurodevelopmental processes.