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Cohesin and CTCF: cooperating to control chromosome conformation?
Author(s) -
Gause Maria,
Schaaf Cheri A.,
Dorsett Dale
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
bioessays
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.175
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1521-1878
pISSN - 0265-9247
DOI - 10.1002/bies.20787
Subject(s) - cohesin , ctcf , establishment of sister chromatid cohesion , genetics , biology , enhancer , chromosome segregation , chromatid , microbiology and biotechnology , chromosome , gene , transcription factor
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. BioEssays 30:715–718, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.