CTCF

Below is a summary for the CTCF gene observed in research publications. This is not meant to take the place of medical advice. Click HERE for the full gene guide, which includes more information, such as chance of having another child with this condition, or specialists to consider for people with this condition.

What is CTCF-related syndrome?

CTCF-related syndrome happens when there are changes to the CTCF gene. These changes can keep the gene from working as it should.

Key Role

The CTCF gene plays a key role in the growth of the brain and the body. The CTCF gene helps to control other genes in the brain.

Symptoms

Because the CTCF gene is important in the development and function of brain cells, many people who have CTCF-related syndrome have:

Developmental delay
Intellectual disability
Autism and other behavior concerns

Do people who have CTCF-related syndrome look different?

About one-half of those who have CTCF-related syndrome have a small head. Otherwise, people who have CTCF-related syndrome do not look very different.

Behavior

About three-quarters of those who have the syndrome have behavior issues, including autism.

Learning

Learning challenges vary widely in people who have the syndrome. Some have a severe intellectual disability. Others have an average IQ.

Feeding and digestion issues

More than three-quarters of those who have the syndrome have a hard time eating and may not gain enough weight, also called failure to thrive. Some people need a feeding tube.

Support Resources

Simons Searchlight Community – CTCF Facebook group
Geisinger Developmental Brain Disorder Gene Database – CTCF

GeneReviews

GeneReviews are a great resource to bring to your child’s clinicians. These publications provide a summary of current research on genetic conditions and information on ongoing care.

There is currently no GeneReviews for CTCF.

Research Article Summaries

We currently do not have any article summaries for CTCF, but we add resources to our website as they become available.

The information available about CTCF is limited, and families and doctors share a critical need for more information. As we learn more from children who have this gene change, we expect our list of resources and information to grow.

Full versions of published research articles can be found on PubMed. PubMed is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) online database that is free. It has a collection of both medical and scientific research articles. A PubMed search for CTCF articles can be found here.

You can also visit the Simons Foundation’s SFARI Gene website to see information for researchers about this gene.

Research Opportunities

Simons Searchlight

Help the Simons Searchlight team learn more about CTCF genetic changes by taking part in our research. You can learn more about the project and sign up here.

Family Stories

We do not currently have any stories from CTCF families.

Click here to share your family’s story!