This recombinant Human CTCF protein is a partial protein expressed in vitro using an E. coli (cell-free) system. Its purity is greater than 90%, as determined by SDS-PAGE. Cell-free protein expression involves the in vitro synthesis of a protein using translation-compatible extracts from whole cells. Essentially, whole-cell extracts encompass all the essential macromolecules and components required for transcription, translation, and even post-translational modifications. These components include RNA polymerase, regulatory protein factors, transcription factors, ribosomes, and tRNA. When supplemented with cofactors, nucleotides, and the specific gene template, these extracts can synthesize proteins of interest within a few hours.
CTCF, primarily recognized as a transcriptional factor, is a highly conserved multifunctional DNA-binding protein characterized by 11 zinc fingers. It plays crucial roles in methylation maintenance, transcriptional inhibition/activation, insulation, gene imprinting, and the regulation of 3D genome organization. CTCF is responsible for the formation of multi-dimensional genome structures, the regulation of dimensional changes, and the control of central signals within transcriptional networks. Recent findings have revealed that CTCF participates in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and the maintenance of genomic integrity.