Adaptable properties of CTCF human protein

3D Model

The human CTCF is a multifunctional protein that can dictate the outcome of gene expression either by repressing it or activating it. The transcriptional factor is composed of 11 zinc finger (ZF) proteins as depicted in pink and have specific binding domains within the genome to which they express hydrogen bonding, interaction with base pairs and electrostatic effect. ZFs 4-7 are described as core proteins and ZFs 2,3 and 8-11 are termed peripheral ZFs. Core ZFs are known to mainly interact with DNA. As DNA is subjected to various changes in nucleotide bases due to mutations, we aim to explore the sensitivity of ZF3-ZF7.