Cohesin and CTCF: cooperating to control chromosome conformation?

Bioessays. 2008 Aug;30(8):715-8. doi: 10.1002/bies.20787.

Abstract

The cohesin complex is best known for its role in sister chromatid cohesion. Over the past few years, it has become apparent that cohesin also regulates gene expression, but the mechanisms by which it does so are unknown. Recently, three groups mapped numerous cohesin-binding sites in mammalian chromosomes and found substantial overlap with the CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF).1-3 CTCF is an insulator protein that blocks enhancer-promoter interactions, and the investigators found that cohesin also contributes to this activity. Thus, these studies demonstrate at least one mechanism by which cohesin can control gene expression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • CCCTC-Binding Factor
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / chemistry*
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / chemistry*
  • Chromosome Segregation
  • Chromosomes / physiology*
  • Chromosomes / ultrastructure
  • Cohesins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry*
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Protein Binding
  • Repressor Proteins / chemistry*

Substances

  • CCCTC-Binding Factor
  • CTCF protein, human
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins