SWI/SNF: The crossroads where extracellular signaling pathways meet chromatin

The coordinated expression of the genome in response to extracellular cues is ensured by enzymatic cascades signaling to the nucleus. These pathways generate chromatin modifications at specific loci controlling the transcription of signal-dependent and tissue-specific genes. The SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex offers the ideal surface for integrating these signals in the execution of diverse or even opposite biological programs. J. Cell. Physiol. 207:-309-314, 2006. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.