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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
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Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to Assay Dynamic Histone Modification in Activated Gene Expression in Human Cells
Published on: July 29, 2010
After chromatin is SWItched-on can it be RUSHed?
J H Devine1, A Hewetson, V H Lee
1Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Technical University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock 79430, USA.
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|July 20, 1999
Summary
Chromatin remodeling is essential for gene activation in eukaryotic cells. ATP-dependent remodeling factors, like the SWI/SNF complex, are crucial for regulating gene transcription by altering chromatin structure.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- Gene transcription in eukaryotes requires remodeling of repressive chromatin.
- Chromatin structure must be modified to allow access for transcriptional machinery.
- ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors are highly conserved.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors in gene transcription.
- To understand the unique mechanisms of action for different remodeling complexes.
- To explore the specific targeting and function of the SWI/SNF complex.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors, including NURF, CHRAC, ACF, and SWI/SNF complexes.
- Characterization of subunits homologous to DNA-dependent ATPases within these complexes.
- Investigating the interaction of SWI/SNF with hormone receptors and its association with inducible genes.
Main Results:
- Multiple ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes (NURF, CHRAC, ACF, SWI/SNF) perturb chromatin structure.
- These complexes share subunits homologous to DNA-dependent ATPases but possess unique mechanisms.
- The SWI/SNF complex is found in low abundance and associated with specific inducible genes and hormone receptors, suggesting targeted activity.
- The SWI/SNF-related RUSH proteins are implicated as conserved DNA binding site-specific ATPases.
Conclusions:
- ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers play a vital, conserved role in gene transcription.
- The SWI/SNF complex is likely targeted to active promoters due to its specific interactions and low cellular abundance.
- SWI/SNF-related proteins represent a conserved family of DNA-binding ATPases involved in chromatin regulation.
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