Inhaltspezifische Aktionen

Role of multi zinc finger proteins in the dynamic change of the nuclear architecture during cell cycle and differentiation

The multi-zinc finger proteins CTCF and CTCFL are unique and conserved factors with a role in transcriptional regulation, the organization of chromatin into distinct domains and imprinting. In contrast to the ubiquitous expression of CTCF, CTCFL is expressed in the testis. Abnormal upregulation of CTCFL, on the other hand, may be linked to tumorigenesis. Thus, while binding to similar sites in the genome, these proteins could have distinct roles. We could show that CTCF, in contrast to CTCFL and to other zinc finger proteins, remains bound to mitotic chromatin. Mitotic binding is mediated by a portion of the zinc finger DNA binding domain and involves sequence specific binding to target sites pertinent to interphase function. Currently we are analysing additional features and function of both related proteins.

 

Funding: DFG