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Snf5 and Swi3 subcomplex formation is required for SWI/SNF complex function in yeast

Hao Zhou1, Guidong Chen1, Chunming Dong2

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Science, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|April 15, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Researchers determined the crystal structure of the yeast Snf5-Swi3 subcomplex, revealing its heterotrimer formation. This Snf5-Swi3 assembly is crucial for the function of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Structural Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex is essential for regulating DNA accessibility.
  • Mutations in SWI/SNF subunits are implicated in approximately 20% of human cancers.
  • Understanding the structural components of SWI/SNF is vital for comprehending its role in health and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the structural basis of the yeast Snf5-Swi3 subcomplex.
  • To investigate the assembly and functional significance of the Snf5-Swi3 subcomplex within the larger SWI/SNF complex.

Main Methods:

  • X-ray crystallography was employed to determine the structure of the yeast Snf5-Swi3 subcomplex.
  • Biochemical assays were used to confirm the heterotrimer formation and assess functional requirements.

Main Results:

  • The crystal structure of the yeast Snf5-Swi3 subcomplex was resolved at 2.65 Å resolution.
  • The Snf5-Swi3 subcomplex forms a heterotrimer, with one Snf5 molecule interacting with two Swi3 molecules.
  • Formation of the Snf5-Swi3 subcomplex was demonstrated to be essential for SWI/SNF complex function in yeast.

Conclusions:

  • The Snf5-Swi3 subcomplex plays a critical role in the assembly and functional integrity of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex.
  • Structural insights into the Snf5-Swi3 heterotrimer provide a foundation for understanding SWI/SNF complex regulation and its link to cancer.
Keywords:
BAF complexChromatin remodeling complexSWI/SNF complexSnf5-Swi3 subcomplex

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