ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex and its function in regulating chromatin structure

The highly condensed chromatin prevents binding of transcription factors and cofactors to DNA. Therefore, it is crucial to relief the repressive environment for transcription through chromatin remodeling activities. Recently, it is widely accepted that chromatin remodeling is carried out by at least two mechanisms: ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex and covalent modifications of histone tails by histone modification complexes. This paper reviews the mechanisms of chromatin remodeling through ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex and how the two complexes work together to modify the chromatin structure and regulate the function of transcription mechanism according to recent studies.