Altering nucleosomes during DNA double-strand break repair in yeast

Although chromatin remodeling has a key role in the regulation of gene expression, it is also important for other chromatin-based processes such as DNA repair, replication and recombination. ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors have unique roles in disrupting histone–DNA interactions and are targeted to gene promoters to ‘loosen’ chromatin for access of transcription factors. Recently, three chromatin remodeling factors with roles in transcriptional regulation have also been shown to be present at sites of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in yeast. These factors control different aspects of DSB repair, suggesting that chromatin remodeling constitutes a key mechanism to preserve genome integrity.