Snf2-family proteins: chromatin remodellers for any occasion

[Display omitted] ► SWI/SNF maintains centromeres by removing ectopic Cse4 (CENP-A) nucleosomes. ► H2A.Z is specifically incorporated into nucleosomes by SWR1, but removed by INO80. ► Telomere integrity requires ATRX-dependent deposition of H3.3. ► Chd1 chromodomains allosterically regulate the ATPase activity of its Snf2 domain. ► Poly (ADP-ribose) recruits Snf2 chromatin remodellers to sites of DNA damage. Chromatin facilitates the housing of eukaryotic DNA within the nucleus and restricts access to the underlying sequences. Thus, the regulation of chromatin structure provides an excellent platform for regulating processes that require information stored within genomic DNA. Snf2 proteins are a family of helicase-like proteins that direct energy derived from ATP hydrolysis into the mechanical remodelling of chromatin structure. Here, we highlight some of the recent discoveries regarding this family of proteins and show Snf2 proteins have roles in many aspects of genetic metabolism. Recent developments include new insights into the mechanism for nucleosome spacing and histone dimer exchange; together with growing evidence for the involvement of Snf2 proteins in DNA repair.