CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor) is a highly conserved zinc finger protein involved in various genomic regulatory functions, including transcriptional activation/repression, insulation, imprinting, and X-chromosome inactivation. Recent genome-wide studies have provided new insights into CTCF's role in chromatin organization and its potential as a heritable component of an epigenetic system. CTCF is implicated in the formation of intra- and inter-chromosomal contacts, which are crucial for the regulation of gene expression and the maintenance of chromatin structure. The protein's ability to bind to diverse sequences and its interaction with other proteins contribute to its multifunctional nature. CTCF is essential for the proper functioning of insulators, which block communication between regulatory elements and prevent cross-talk between enhancers and promoters. Additionally, CTCF mediates long-range chromatin interactions, forming loops that influence gene expression. The imprinted *H19/Igf2* locus and the murine β-globin locus are examples where CTCF plays a key role in organizing chromatin topology and regulating gene expression. CTCF also appears to be involved in interchromosomal interactions, particularly during X-chromosome inactivation, suggesting a broader role in maintaining epigenetic information across different chromosomes. Overall, CTCF's primary role seems to be in the global organization of chromatin architecture, with its specific functions varying depending on the genomic context and cellular state.CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor) is a highly conserved zinc finger protein involved in various genomic regulatory functions, including transcriptional activation/repression, insulation, imprinting, and X-chromosome inactivation. Recent genome-wide studies have provided new insights into CTCF's role in chromatin organization and its potential as a heritable component of an epigenetic system. CTCF is implicated in the formation of intra- and inter-chromosomal contacts, which are crucial for the regulation of gene expression and the maintenance of chromatin structure. The protein's ability to bind to diverse sequences and its interaction with other proteins contribute to its multifunctional nature. CTCF is essential for the proper functioning of insulators, which block communication between regulatory elements and prevent cross-talk between enhancers and promoters. Additionally, CTCF mediates long-range chromatin interactions, forming loops that influence gene expression. The imprinted *H19/Igf2* locus and the murine β-globin locus are examples where CTCF plays a key role in organizing chromatin topology and regulating gene expression. CTCF also appears to be involved in interchromosomal interactions, particularly during X-chromosome inactivation, suggesting a broader role in maintaining epigenetic information across different chromosomes. Overall, CTCF's primary role seems to be in the global organization of chromatin architecture, with its specific functions varying depending on the genomic context and cellular state.