Molecular Mimics: How Viral Genomes Dupe Their Host by Usurping CTCF to Establish Infection
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The eukaryotic genome is organized into distinct structural units dictated by architectural proteins. The major host architectural protein CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is usurped by DNA viruses to regulate viral gene expression. This review will discuss the major ways large (EBV, HSV, HCMV) and small (HPV, HBV, AAV) DNA viruses mimic eukaryotic genome topology using CTCF to regulate viral gene expression. We will further discuss how changes in genome topology can drive virally induced oncogenic progression. Knowledge gained from studying viral genome folding mechanisms will inform the development of targeted anti-viral agents and inform the modification of viruses to serve as gene therapy vectors.
Source: Viruses
DOI: 10.3390/v18040456
Institution: University of Wisconsin–Madison
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Awards: How does a viral pathogen manipulate DNA Damage Responses to promote infection?, G3892861298, G4440838025, Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), Defining how cellular DNA replication and repair machinery are hijacked by viral pathogens, How does a viral pathogen manipulate DNA Damage Responses to promote infection?, G6694925820, G738160294, G7510161112, G9000232554
OpenAlex ID: W7153232958