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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Biochemical Assays for Analyzing Activities of ATP-dependent Chromatin Remodeling Enzymes
Published on: October 25, 2014
Chromatin remodeling enzymes: taming the machines. Third in review series on chromatin dynamics
1Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA. craig.peterson@umassmed.edu
Abstract:
Members of the ATP-dependent family of chromatin remodeling enzymes play key roles in the regulation of transcription, development, DNA repair and cell cycle. Each of these enzymes are multi-subunit assemblies that hydrolyze thousands of molecules of ATP in order to change nucleosome positions, disrupt DNA-histone interactions and perhaps destabilize chromatin folding. Here I review recent studies that suggest these potent machines can be 'tamed' by one of several mechanisms: targeting their activity to localized regions, blocking their chromatin binding activity or inhibiting their remodeling activity.
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