BRG1 (encoded by SMARCA4) — SWI/SNF Related, Matrix Associated, Actin Dependent Regulator of Chromatin is the catalytic ATPase of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. This complex uses ATP hydrolysis to slide, eject, or restructure nucleosomes, dynamically regulating chromatin accessibility for transcription. BRG1 is essential for development, neuronal differentiation, and has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. [1]
SMARCA4 encodes Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1), the ATPase subunit of the SWI/SNF (SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable) chromatin remodeling complex. The SWI/SNF complex is one of the most important epigenetic regulators, controlling the accessibility of DNA to transcription factors, DNA repair machinery, and replication proteins. BRG1-containing complexes regulate thousands of genes involved in development, metabolism, and cell fate decisions. [2]
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Gene Symbol | BRG1 (SMARCA4) |
| Full Name | SWI/SNF Related, Matrix Associated, Actin Dependent Regulator of Chromatin |
| Chromosomal Location | 19q13.2 |
| NCBI Gene ID | 6597 |
| OMIM ID | 603254 |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000127616 |
| UniProt ID | P51532 |
| Encoded Protein | SWI/SNF-related matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily A member 4 (BRG1) |
| Associated Diseases | Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Rett syndrome, cancer, intellectual disability |
SMARCA4 encodes the central ATPase of the SWI/SNF complex. Key normal physiological functions include:
The SWI/SNF complex contains multiple subunits:
BRG1/SMARCA4 dysfunction in AD includes:
BRG1 involvement in PD:
SMARCA2 (BRM, BRG1's paralog) mutations cause Rett-like syndrome:
SMARCA4 is a major tumor suppressor:
BRG1 is ubiquitously expressed but shows particular importance in nervous system:
The Allen Brain Atlas shows high SMARCA4 expression in:
BRG1 (SMARCA4) — SWI/SNF Related, Matrix Associated, Actin Dependent Regulator of Chromatin is the ATPase of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex essential for gene regulation and development.
Wang et al. SWI/SNF complexes in Parkinson's disease models, npj Parkinson's Disease (2020). 2020. ↩︎
Zhang et al. Chromatin remodeling in neural development and disease, Neuron (2021). 2021. ↩︎