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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues
Published on: April 5, 2018
Chromatin remodeler mutations in human cancers: epigenetic implications
Katherine A Skulte1, Lisa Phan, Susan J Clark
1Chromatin Dynamics Group, Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 394 Victoria Rd, Darlinghurst 2010, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract:
Chromatin remodeler complexes exhibit the ability to alter nucleosome composition and positions, with seemingly divergent roles in the regulation of chromatin architecture and gene expression. The outcome is directed by subunit variation and interactions with accessory factors. Recent studies have revealed that subunits of chromatin remodelers display an unexpectedly high mutation rate and/or are inactivated in a number of cancers. Consequently, a repertoire of epigenetic processes are likely to be affected, including interactions with histone modifying factors, as well as the ability to precisely modulate nucleosome positions, DNA methylation patterns and potentially, higher-order genome structure. However, the true significance of chromatin remodeler genetic aberrations in promoting a cascade of epigenetic changes, particularly during initiation and progression of cancer, remains largely unknown.
Insights
Chromatin remodelers regulate gene expression but are frequently mutated in cancer. Their genetic aberrations may drive epigenetic changes crucial for cancer development, though this remains under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Chromatin remodelers influence gene expression by altering nucleosome structure.
- Subunit variations and accessory factors dictate remodeler functions.
- Emerging evidence links high mutation rates in chromatin remodeler subunits to various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of genetic aberrations in chromatin remodelers.
- To understand how these aberrations affect epigenetic processes in cancer.
- To elucidate the significance of these changes in cancer initiation and progression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of mutation rates in chromatin remodeler subunits.
- Assessment of affected epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., histone modification, DNA methylation).
- Correlation of genetic alterations with cancer development stages.
Main Results:
- Chromatin remodeler subunits show high mutation rates in cancers.
- These mutations likely impact nucleosome positioning and epigenetic regulation.
- Potential disruption of DNA methylation and higher-order genome structure.
Conclusions:
- Genetic aberrations in chromatin remodelers are common in cancer.
- These alterations may initiate widespread epigenetic dysregulation.
- Further research is needed to fully understand their role in cancer pathogenesis.
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