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Remodeling the cancer epigenome: mutations in the SWI/SNF complex offer new therapeutic opportunities

Krystal A Orlando1, Vinh Nguyen2, Jesse R Raab3

  • 1a Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill , NC , USA.

Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy
|April 16, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mutations in the SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex occur in 25% of cancers, driving tumor development. Understanding these SWI/SNF mutations is key to developing targeted cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Cancer Genomics
  • Chromatin Remodeling
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin-remodeling complex is frequently mutated in human cancers.
  • This complex plays a crucial role in regulating nucleosome positioning and gene expression.
  • Frequent mutations suggest a significant role in oncogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of SWI/SNF subunit mutations in human oncogenesis.
  • To explore common and unique transformation mechanisms driven by these mutations.
  • To identify potential therapeutic vulnerabilities in SWI/SNF-mutant cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Review of cancer genome sequencing studies.
  • Analysis of SWI/SNF complex function and conservation.
  • Examination of oncogenic pathways and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • SWI/SNF mutations are found in approximately 25% of human cancers.
  • Different SWI/SNF subunit mutations may contribute to tumor development through various mechanisms.
  • Current therapeutic options are largely derived from cell line screening.

Conclusions:

  • Limited understanding exists regarding how specific SWI/SNF subunit mutations drive human tumorigenesis.
  • Defining precise oncogenic pathways is challenging due to the complex's broad cellular functions.
  • Future research needs a focused approach to identify shared vulnerabilities in SWI/SNF-mutant cancers for effective targeted therapies.
Keywords:
CancerSWI/SNF complexchromatin remodelingepigenetics

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