Genetic manipulation of the Sox2 locus in mice shows that gene activation by distal enhancers does not require CTCF-mediated loops and can occur across ectopic CTCF-mediated boundaries. The ability to bypass CTCF boundaries varies with their insulation strength and the tissue-specific enhancers responsible for activation.
- Shreeta Chakraborty
- Nina Kopitchinski
- Pedro P. Rocha