ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes and their various roles in cell cycle control

The modification of chromatin structure by various mechanisms has emerged as a key regulatory component of nuclear programs. Cell cycle progression and exit are affected by the integrity of chromatin architecture as well as by regulatory cues that chromatin structure imposes on the expression of cell cycle genes. ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors use the energy derived from ATP-hydrolysis to modulate histone-DNA contacts. These molecular machines play important roles in all aspects of chromosome biology and are thus intimately linked to cell cycle control. Regulation of complex activity by various signaling pathways has been a rising theme in recent years. Moreover, some chromatin remodeling factors have been characterized as potent tumor suppressor proteins. Thus, to understand the functions and activities of ATP-utilizing chromatin remodeling factors is an important goal towards their use as potential targets in cancer therapy.