Alterations in CTCF binding to chromatin upon induction of cell migration

The protein CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is a highly conserved zinc finger protein that has a major role in generating three-dimensional structures of chromatin and in transcription regulation. CTCF dimerizes and together with cohesions form the boundaries of the ubiquitous chromatin loops, topologically associated domains (TADs). TADs loops bring close together DNA elements such as enhancers and promoters in a cell-type-specific manner. Cell migration is a conserved and crucial process for both proper development and human diseases such as tumor metastasis. It is known that there is a correlation between CTCF levels and efficient migration of cells. However, the mechanism by which the protein contributes to the migration process is yet to be revealed. Here chromatin immunoprecipitation following by sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis revealed a 30% increase in the number of CTCF binding sites to chromatin upon induction of cell migration. Moreover, CTCF binding strength to chromatin was also increased in migrating cells. Suggesting the formation of a stronger 3D chromatin structure in response to migration signals. To determine the importance of CTCF for cell migration, we generated a knock-down cell line for it using the CRISPR technology. The effects of CTCF KD on cell migration will be presented. Getting a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of the migration process is a crucial first step in the way of developing new efficient therapeutic approaches against metastasis.