CCCTC-Binding Factor (CTCF, CTCFL Paralog, 11-Zinc Finger Protein)

The vertebrate insulator protein, CCCTC binding factor (CTCF) is a highly conserved, ubiquitously expressed DNA-binding protein that has widespread capabilities in gene regulation. CTCF contains 11 zinc finger motifs and it is thought that CTCF uses different combinations of zinc fingers to recognise a variety of specific sequences on the DNA to control several important genes. CTCF plays dual roles in cell growth regulatory processes and epigenetic functions. CTCF is a negative regulator of cell proliferation and is located in a region of the chromosome that is frequently deleted in human cancers. The CTCF protein is altered in some breast and prostate tumors. Substitutions from one amino acid to another in the DNA-binding domain change the whole spectrum of the genes regulated by CTCF which can result in cancer development. CTCF was first identified as one of the nuclear factors binding to the regulatory regions of the c-myc gene. Further study of this protein revealed roles in transcriptional repression, insulator function, and imprinting genetic information. Among the multitude of normal CTCF functions, it's involvement in partitioning the genome into active or inactive domains by means of a chromatin insulator function has received particular attention. As an insulator CTCF helps to define the boundaries between the neighboring genes. Strikingly, all vertebrate chromatin insulators identified so far interact with CTCF. Applications: Suitable for use in Immunoprecipitation. Not recommended for use in western Blot. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Immunoprecipitation: 2-5ug/mg Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4 degrees C for short-term only. For long-term storage and to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, add sterile 40-50% glycerol, aliquot and store at -20 degrees C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months at -20 degrees C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.