Structural and functional characterisation and regulatory mechanisms of SWI/SNF and RSC chromatin remodelling complexes in fungi

Author: mycolabadmin
1/6/2025
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Summary

This review examines two important protein complexes in fungal cells that help control which genes are turned on and off. These complexes, called SWI/SNF and RSC, use energy from ATP to move and adjust nucleosomes—the structures that package DNA. The researchers analyzed these complexes across different fungal species and found that while they share similar core components, fungi have evolved unique variations that allow them to survive and cause infections in different ways. Understanding how these complexes work could help scientists develop new antifungal drugs.

Background

Chromatin remodellers utilize ATP hydrolysis energy to modify nucleosomes and regulate gene expression in eukaryotes. The SWI/SNF and RSC complexes are ATP-dependent chromatin modifiers first discovered in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and are highly conserved from yeast to mammals. In fungi, these complexes regulate hyphal differentiation, sporulation, stress responses, and pathogenicity.

Objective

This review examines the structural properties, mechanisms of action, and functional roles of SWI/SNF and RSC chromatin remodelling complexes across diverse fungal taxa. The authors aim to highlight conserved and divergent features among fungi to provide a foundation for understanding these complexes’ roles in fungal pathogenicity and potential antifungal drug development.

Results

The analysis identified conserved motor modules containing Snf2/Sth1 ATPase catalytic subunits, ARP modules with Arp7 and Arp9, and substrate recruitment modules with varying components across fungi. Phylogenetic analysis revealed four main branches with distinct evolutionary relationships. Functional studies show these complexes regulate mycelial morphogenesis, stress responses, cell cycle progression, and metabolic flexibility with species-specific variations.

Conclusion

SWI/SNF and RSC complexes exhibit conserved structural properties but display functional divergence across fungal species, reflecting species-specific adaptations. Understanding these regulatory mechanisms provides a scientific basis for identifying antifungal drug targets and controlling pathogenic fungi through disruption of chromatin remodelling pathways.

Published in:Mycology,
Study Type:Review,
Source: PMID: 40937128, DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2425170