What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore how DNA viruses use CTCF to manipulate host genome organization and gene expression.

April 12, 2026Open Access

Molecular Mimics: How Viral Genomes Dupe Their Host by Usurping CTCF to Establish Infection

Key Points

The aim is to explore how DNA viruses use CTCF to manipulate host genome organization and gene expression.
Review of large and small DNA viruses that mimic eukaryotic genome architecture.
Analysis of the role of CTCF in viral gene regulation.
Discussion on implications for viral oncogenic progression.
Examination of potential antiviral applications and gene therapy.
CTCF is frequently usurped by various DNA viruses to influence host gene expression.
Alterations in genome topology are linked to the progression of viral-induced cancer.
Understanding viral genome folding may aid in developing targeted antiviral therapies.

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.

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Cite This Study

Larsen et al. (Fri,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69db37f94fe01fead37c60ff https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/v18040456

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