The SWI/SNF complex, transcription-replication conflicts and cancer: a connection with high therapeutic potential

Abstract

Genome instability is a hallmark of cancer. ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers are frequently altered in cancer. We have recently reported that the SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex protects the genome by limiting R-loop-mediated genome instability, mainly that caused by transcription-replication conflicts. Here we discuss the significance and biomedical applications of this finding.

Keywords

• cancer
• swi/snf
• cbaf
• transcription-replication conflicts
• r-loops
• genome instability
• chromatin
• epigenetics