The nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase complex in development and disease

Abstract

The nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex is one of the major chromatin remodeling complexes found in cells. It plays an important role in regulating gene transcription, genome integrity, and cell cycle progression. Through its impact on these basic cellular processes, increasing evidence indicates that alterations in the activity of this macromolecular complex can lead to developmental defects, oncogenesis, and accelerated aging. Recent genetic and biochemical studies have elucidated the mechanisms of NuRD action in modifying the chromatin landscape. These advances have the potential to lead to new therapeutic approaches to birth defects and cancer.

Figure 1. Functions of the Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase (NuRD) Complex

NuRD core components are shown in the illustration. NuRD regulates gene transcription through binding gene enhancers and promoters, and modifying the state of chromatin. More recent data implicate NuRD in DNA repair processes. Box on the right indicates known biochemical functions (top four on list) of NuRD components and biological roles of the complex. Increasingly, NuRD-independent functions are being described for some components (e.g., Mi2, Mta1). TF=tissue restricted transcription factors; DDR=DNA damage response