Long non-coding RNAs: the tentacles of chromatin remodeler complexes

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2021 Feb;78(4):1139-1161. doi: 10.1007/s00018-020-03646-0. Epub 2020 Oct 1.

Abstract

Chromatin remodeler complexes regulate gene transcription, DNA replication and DNA repair by changing both nucleosome position and post-translational modifications. The chromatin remodeler complexes are categorized into four families: the SWI/SNF, INO80/SWR1, ISWI and CHD family. In this review, we describe the subunits of these chromatin remodeler complexes, in particular, the recently identified members of the ISWI family and novelties of the CHD family. Long non-coding (lnc) RNAs regulate gene expression through different epigenetic mechanisms, including interaction with chromatin remodelers. For example, interaction of lncBRM with BRM inhibits the SWI/SNF complex associated with a differentiated phenotype and favors assembly of a stem cell-related SWI/SNF complex. Today, over 50 lncRNAs have been shown to affect chromatin remodeler complexes and we here discuss the mechanisms involved.

Keywords: ATP-dependent helicase; Histone and epigenetic regulation; Nucleosome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / genetics*
  • Chromatin / genetics
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly / genetics*
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / genetics*
  • DNA Repair / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Humans
  • Multiprotein Complexes / genetics
  • Nucleosomes / genetics
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • ISWI protein
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Nucleosomes
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • Transcription Factors
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases