SMARCC2
Description
The SMARCC2 (SWI/SNF related, matrix associated, actin dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily c member 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 12.
SMARCC2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SMARCC2 gene. It belongs to the SWI/SNF family of proteins, which are known for their helicase and ATPase activities and are believed to regulate the transcription of specific genes by modifying the chromatin structure around those genes. SMARCC2 is a part of the SNF/SWI complex, a large ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex. It contains a leucine zipper motif, which is a common feature among transcription factors. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified for this gene. SMARCC2 has been found to interact with BAZ1B and SMARCA4.
SMARCC2 plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression by remodeling chromatin, which involves altering the structure of DNA-nucleosome interactions. It's a component of SWI/SNF complexes, which are responsible for modifying chromatin structure by altering DNA-histone contacts within nucleosomes in an ATP-dependent manner. This process helps regulate both gene activation and repression. SMARCC2 can also enhance the ATPase activity of the catalytic subunit in these complexes. Notably, SMARCC2 might be involved in CoREST-dependent repression of neuronal-specific gene promoters in non-neuronal cells. SMARCC2 is a part of two significant chromatin remodeling complexes: the neural progenitors-specific complex (npBAF) and the neuron-specific complex (nBAF). These complexes undergo a transition during neural development, reflecting a shift from stem/progenitor to postmitotic chromatin remodeling as neurons exit the cell cycle and differentiate. This transition involves exchanging subunits within the npBAF and nBAF complexes. The npBAF complex is crucial for the self-renewal and proliferation of multipotent neural stem cells. The nBAF complex, alongside CREST, plays a role in regulating the activity of genes essential for dendrite growth. SMARCC2 also acts as a vital regulator of myeloid differentiation, controlling granulocytopoiesis and the expression of genes involved in neutrophil granule formation.
SMARCC2 is also known as BAF170, CRACC2, CSS8, Rsc8.
