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A role for the yeast SWI/SNF complex in DNA replication.
1Program in Molecular Medicine and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
Nucleic Acids Research
|April 13, 1999
Summary
The yeast SWI/SNF complex, a chromatin remodeler, is crucial for DNA replication and transcription. Its inactivation specifically impairs certain DNA replication origins, highlighting its dual role in gene expression and genome stability.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Chromatin Biology
Background:
- The yeast SWI/SNF complex is known to regulate gene expression by counteracting chromatin-mediated repression.
- Its precise role in DNA replication has not been fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential involvement of the SWI/SNF complex in DNA replication.
- To determine if SWI/SNF influences the efficiency of autonomous replication sequences (ARSs).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mitotic minichromosome stability assay to assess ARS replication efficiency.
- Tested various ARS elements in the presence and absence of functional SWI/SNF.
Main Results:
- SWI/SNF inactivation did not affect the stability of minichromosomes with ARS1, ARS309, or ARS307.
- The replication efficiency of ARS121 was significantly impaired upon SWI/SNF inactivation.
- SWI/SNF dependence of ARS121 was observed independently of the replication enhancer ABF1.
- Minimal ARS derivatives and ARS elements with altered binding sites also exhibited SWI/SNF dependence.
Conclusions:
- The SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex plays a role in both DNA replication and transcription.
- SWI/SNF dependence of ARS elements is linked to replication enhancers and the overall organization of ARS sequences.
- This suggests a broader regulatory function for SWI/SNF in genome maintenance and gene expression.