epigenetics
BRG1, encoded by SMARCA4, is the core ATPase subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. By repositioning nucleosomes it governs chromatin accessibility, and so acts as a general co-regulator of transcription in processes ranging from development to stress responses.
BRG1 is absent or silenced in a subset of cancers and cancer cell lines, which makes its status a useful context variable: a transcriptional program that requires BRG1 as a co-activator can only operate in BRG1-proficient cells. Among its documented partners is the oxidative-stress transcription factor NRF2, with which it has been reported to cooperate in antioxidant responses in ischemia-reperfusion injury and in several cancer types.
Related terms
Source papers
- Chemotherapy-induced senescence promotes stroma stiffness and antioxidant adaptation to promote chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma doi:10.1038/s41467-026-75772-5