Brother of Regulator of Imprinted Sites (CTCFL) (CTCFL)

Brother of Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS), also known as CCCTC-binding factor-like protein (CTCFL), is a DNA-binding transcription factor and a member of the cancer-testis antigen (CTA) family (UniProt Q8NI51). It is a paralog of the ubiquitous architectural protein CTCF, sharing a nearly identical 11-zinc-finger DNA-binding domain but possessing unique terminal domains (Loukinov et al., 2002, PMID: 12068298). In healthy individuals, BORIS expression is strictly limited to the germ cells of the testis, where it facilitates epigenetic reprogramming and chromatin remodeling during spermatogenesis (NCBI Gene: 140690). However, BORIS is aberrantly reactivated in various malignancies, including breast, lung, and ovarian cancers, where it competes with CTCF for binding sites and promotes oncogenic pathways such as cell proliferation and survival (PubMed: 23536446). This competition often leads to the dysregulation of imprinted genes and the activation of genes involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Due to its high tumor specificity and role in maintaining the malignant phenotype, BORIS is an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Current therapeutic strategies include DNA vaccines and adoptive T-cell therapies that are currently in experimental stages (ClinicalTrials.gov). Targeting BORIS aims to disrupt the abnormal epigenetic landscape of cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal somatic tissues. Its potential as a biomarker for early detection and prognosis is also being extensively investigated in clinical research.

Other names

BORISCCCTC-binding factor-like proteinCancer/testis antigen 27CT27Zinc finger protein CTCF-like

Induction of tumor-specific immune responses through antigen presentation or direct inhibition of oncogenic transcriptional activity.