ATP-Dependent Chromatin Remodeling Factors and Their Roles in Affecting Nucleosome Fiber Composition

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors of the SNF2 family are key components of the cellular machineries that shape and regulate chromatin structure and function. Members of this group of proteins have broad and heterogeneous functions ranging from controlling gene activity, facilitating DNA damage repair, promoting homologous recombination to maintaining genomic stability. Several chromatin remodeling factors are critical components of nucleosome assembly processes, and recent reports have identified specific functions of distinct chromatin remodeling factors in the assembly of variant histones into chromatin. In this review we will discuss the specific roles of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors in determining nucleosome composition and, thus, chromatin fiber properties

The role of epigenetics in drug resistance in cancer

Resistance of malignant cells to chemotherapy and molecularly targeted therapy is a major roadblock in our effort to cure cancer. A variety of underlying mechanisms have been described, some of which are shared between resistance to chemotherapy and resistance to molecularly targeted therapy. Although the influence of genetic mutations in the development of drug resistance is beyond question, many examples now support the involvement of epigenetic changes in contributing to drug resistance. Several clinical trials are under way to explore the effectiveness of epigenetics-targeting drugs to reverse or overcome resistance to cancer therapies. In addition to these strategies, we suggest a complementary approach that could utilize epigenetics-targeting drugs to prevent drug resistance