The in vivo functions of ATP-dependent chromatin-remodelling factors

Abstract

The biochemical activities of ATP-dependent chromatin-remodelling factors have been well studied, but their in vivo functions are relatively unknown. SWI/SNF-like complexes are generally implicated in transcriptional activation. However, there is a growing body of evidence that they also function in negative regulation of transcription. The factors in the ISWI class are implicated mainly in repression of transcription. In Drosophila melanogaster, ISWI might also affect higher-order chromatin structure. The in vivo functions of the CHD1 and INO80 classes are not well understood. Indirect evidence indicates that they are involved in gene regulation, but more data are needed. The areas of research that require more attention in the future include identification of the direct targets of chromatin-remodelling factors, the molecular mechanisms of chromatin remodelling in vivo, the regulation of the chromatin-remodelling factors, and the regulation of chromatin higher-order structure by these remodelling factors.