The Role of Chromatin-Associated Proteins in Cancer

Abstract

The organization of the chromatin structure is essential for maintaining cell-type-specific gene expression and therefore for cell identity. This structure is highly dynamic and is regulated by a large number of chromatin-associated proteins that are required for normal development and differentiation. Recurrent somatic mutations have been found with high frequency in genes coding for chromatin-associated proteins in cancer, and several of these are required for cancer maintenance. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the role of chromatin-associated proteins in transcription, development, and cancer. Specifically, we focus on selected examples of proteins belonging to the histone methyltransferase, histone demethylase, or bromodomain families, for which specific small molecule inhibitors have been developed and are in either preclinical or clinical trials.