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

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Cancer genome sequencing studies have discovered mutations in members of the SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin-remodeling complex in nearly 25% of human cancers. The SWI/SNF complex, first discovered in S. cerevisiae, shows strong conservation from yeast to Drosophila to mammals, contains approximately 10-12 subunits and regulates nucleosome positioning through the energy generated by its ATPase subunits. The unexpected finding of frequent mutations in the complex has fueled studies to identify the mechanisms that drive tumor development and the accompanying therapeutic vulnerabilities. Areas covered: In the review, we focus upon the potential roles different SWI/SNF subunit mutations play in human oncogenesis, their common and unique mechanisms of tra

SUBMITTER: Orlando KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6533634 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature