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The SWI/SNF complex, transcription-replication conflicts and cancer: a connection with high therapeutic potential

Aleix Bayona-Feliu1,2, Andrés Aguilera1,2

  • 1Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain.

Molecular & Cellular Oncology
|October 7, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex guards the genome against instability. This complex prevents R-loop formation, which is a major cause of genome instability in cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Genome instability is a key characteristic of cancer.
  • ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers, including the SWI/SNF complex, are often altered in cancer.
  • Transcription-replication conflicts can lead to genome instability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the significance of the SWI/SNF complex in protecting the genome.
  • To explore the biomedical applications of findings related to SWI/SNF and genome stability.
  • To highlight the role of SWI/SNF in limiting R-loop-mediated genome instability.

Main Methods:

  • The study discusses recent findings on the SWI/SNF complex.
  • Mechanisms of R-loop formation and resolution were investigated.
  • The link between transcription-replication conflicts and genome instability was analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The SWI/SNF complex plays a crucial role in maintaining genome stability.
  • This complex limits genome instability primarily caused by R-loops.
  • R-loops arising from transcription-replication conflicts are a major source of instability.

Conclusions:

  • The SWI/SNF complex is a critical guardian of the genome, preventing instability.
  • Understanding SWI/SNF's role in R-loop suppression has significant biomedical implications for cancer therapy.
  • Targeting SWI/SNF or related pathways could offer new therapeutic strategies for cancer.
Keywords:
CancerR-loopsSWI/SNFcBAFchromatinepigeneticsgenome instabilitytranscription-replication conflicts

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