Chromatin remodeling enzymes are large molecular machines that guard the genome by reorganizing chromatin structure. They can reposition, space and evict nucleosomes and thus control gene expression, DNA replication and repair. Recent cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) analyses have captured snapshots of various chromatin remodelers as they interact with nucleosomes. In this review, we summarize and discuss the advances made in our understanding of the regulation of chromatin remodelers, the mode of DNA translocation, as well as the influence of associated protein domains and remodeler subunits on the specific functions of chromatin remodeling complexes. The emerging structural information will help our understanding of disease mechanisms and guide our knowledge toward innovative therapeutic interventions.

染色质重塑酶是通过重组染色质结构来保护基因组的大分子机器。它们可以重新定位、间隔和驱逐核小体，从而控制基因表达、DNA 复制和修复。最近的冷冻电子显微镜 (cryo-EM) 分析捕获了各种染色质重塑剂与核小体相互作用的快照。在这篇综述中，我们总结并讨论了我们在理解染色质重塑蛋白调控、DNA 易位模式以及相关蛋白结构域和重塑蛋白亚基对染色质重塑复合物特定功能的影响方面取得的进展。新出现的结构信息将有助于我们了解疾病机制，并将我们的知识引向创新的治疗干预措施。