The role of Snf2-related proteins in cancer

T Owen-Hughes1

  • 1Division of Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Scotland, UK. t.a.owenhughes@dundee.ac.uk

Ernst Schering Research Foundation Workshop
|March 30, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Histone deacetylase inhibitors show anti-tumor effects. ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes, linked to histone deacetylases, are potential cancer therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are clinically investigated for anti-tumor properties.
  • Proteins within similar biological pathways represent potential therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the links between ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes and cancer.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating histone deacetylases and ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes in cancer.
  • Analysis of functional associations between HDACs and remodeling complexes.

Main Results:

  • HDAC activity is physically associated with a subset of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes.
  • This association suggests a functional interplay between these protein groups.

Conclusions:

  • ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes warrant consideration as viable cancer therapeutic targets.
  • Targeting these enzymes may offer novel strategies for cancer treatment, complementing HDAC inhibitor therapies.

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