Recent studies have identified frequent inactivating mutations in different SWI/SNF subunits in several types of cancer, highlighting the tumour suppressor roles of these chromatin remodellers. This Review discusses the current knowledge regarding inactivating mutations, and silencing, of SWI/SNF subunits in cancer, the molecular mechanisms of their tumour suppressor functions and possibilities for therapeutic intervention in SWI/SNF-mutant cancers.
- Boris G. Wilson
- Charles W. M. Roberts