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. 2017 Jan 31;49(2):178-179.
doi: 10.1038/ng.3779.

SWI/SNF complex in cancer

Chao Lu  1 , C David Allis  1
Affiliations

SWI/SNF complex in cancer

Chao Lu et al. Nat Genet. .

Abstract

Four studies in this issue report new mechanisms underlying the function of the chromatin remodeling SWI/SNF complex in controlling gene expression and suppressing tumor development, providing valuable insights into the treatment of cancers harboring mutations in genes encoding SWI/SNF complex subunits.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. New ‘remodeling’ mechanisms underline SWI/SNF complex's tumor suppressive function
Inactivating mutations/deletions of SWI/SNF subunits cause defective complex assembly and failure to oppose PRC1/2 at promoters and typical enhancers (TE) of genes involved in differentiation. The residual functional SWI/SNF complexes are preferentially localized to super-enhancers (SE) of genes maintaining cell identity. The resulting imbalance between differentiation vs. self-renewal promotes tumorigenesis.
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References

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