Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026
An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues
Published on: April 5, 2018
The Roles of Chromatin Remodeling Proteins in Cancer
Chun Zhang1, Jie Lu, Pingyu Zhang
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, P. R. China. zzzspring@126.com.
Abstract:
Chromatin remodeling complexes (chromatin remodelers) have been demonstrated as essential and powerful regulators for critical DNA-templated cellular processes, such as DNA replication, recombination, gene transcription/repression, and DNA damage repair. These molecular and genetic processes are important for a wide spectrum of cellular functions including, cell cycle, death, differentiation, pluripotency, and genome integrity. Not surprisingly, dysfunctions of chromatin remodeling proteins are observed in human developmental disorders and diseases. Specifically for human malignancies, genomic sequence analyses show that mutations and other genetic alternations of chromatin remodelers exist in almost all human tumor types. Using human cancer cell lines, xenograft models and genetically engineered mouse models, functions of chromatin remodelers in human cancers have been studied extensively in the last 10-15 years. In this review, we summarize the functional and mechanistic studies of chromatin remodelers in the initiation, progression and metastasis of human cancers.
Insights
Chromatin remodelers regulate essential DNA processes. Dysfunctional remodelers are linked to cancer, and this review covers their roles in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Chromatin remodeling complexes are crucial regulators of DNA-templated processes.
- These processes include DNA replication, repair, and gene transcription, impacting cell cycle, differentiation, and genome integrity.
- Dysregulation of chromatin remodelers is implicated in human diseases, particularly cancers, with mutations found in nearly all tumor types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functional and mechanistic roles of chromatin remodelers in human cancers.
- To summarize extensive research on chromatin remodelers in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Review of functional and mechanistic studies.
- Analysis of data from human cancer cell lines, xenograft models, and genetically engineered mouse models.
Main Results:
- Chromatin remodelers are essential for fundamental cellular processes.
- Alterations in chromatin remodelers are widespread in human malignancies.
- Extensive research has elucidated their functions in cancer development.
Conclusions:
- Chromatin remodelers are key players in cancer biology.
- Understanding their mechanisms is vital for cancer research and therapy development.
Related Concept Videos
02:54Nucleosome Remodeling
Nucleosome remodeling complex
Eukaryotic cells have specialized enzymes called ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling enzymes. These enzymes...
01:32Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...
02:25Spreading of Chromatin Modifications
Writers
The writer...
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
X-chromosome...
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
02:35Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the...