Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes regulate gene expression by altering chromatin structure through ATP hydrolysis. They are classified into four families—SWI/SNF, ISWI, CHD, and INO80—which remodel chromatin via nucleosome sliding, eviction, assembly, and editing to control transcription. These complexes play critical roles in DNA repair, tumorigenesis, and organogenesis. Recent advances in low-input proteomics have highlighted their importance in vertebrate embryonic development. In mammals, they regulate embryonic genome activation, lineage specification, and stem cell fate determination. In non-mammalian models (e.g., Xenopus laevis), they function from blastocyst formation to pre-organogenesis stages (gastrulation and neurulation)—key windows for chromatin reprogramming and cell fate decisions. This review provides a systematic overview of chromatin remodeling complexes, detailing their classification and conserved mechanisms, and discusses their functions in early embryogenesis and embryonic stem cell maintenance. The collective evidence underscores the implications of these chromatin remodelers for understanding developmental defects and advancing regenerative medicine.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms27020835
Authors: Hejie Wang, Gulinigaer Anwaier, Shengbin Bai, Libin Liao, Yingdi Wang, Shuang Li
Institution: Xinjiang Medical University
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
Award: G4224131699
OpenAlex ID: W7124178959