Chromatin remodeling factors and DNA replication

Abstract

Chromatin structures have to be precisely duplicated during DNA replication to maintain tissue-specific gene expression patterns and specialized domains, such as the centromeres. Chromatin remodeling factors are key components involved in this process and include histone chaperones, histone modifying enzymes and ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes. Several of these factors interact directly with components of the replication machinery. Histone variants are also important to mark specific chromatin domains. Because chromatin remodeling factors render chromatin dynamic, they may also be involved in facilitating the DNA replication process through condensed chromatin domains.