Role of NF-kB recruited SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes in inducible gene expression in T cells

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The immune system consists of a group of cell types, including T cells, which are capable of recognising foreign agents and eradicating them from the body. T cells are activated by foreign antigen and respond by producing an array of soluble factors including cytokines, which act as communicators between cells. The correct expression of these factors is critical for the maintenance and function of the immune system, and is therefore tightly regulated. The genes encoding these factors are generally maintained in an 'inactive' state but are switched on rapidly when required. Within the cell, genes or DNA are found wrapped up in a complex protein structure called chromatin which plays an important role in regulating gene expression. Chromatin forms a barrier to active gene expression which must be overcome before the gene can be switched on. There are protein complexes within the cell that are able to alter or remodel chromatin structure from an 'inactive' to an 'active' state. We are investigating one of these chromatin remodeling complexes to determine which genes it is able to switch on and how it targets these particular genes. Aberrant gene expression within T cells contributes to a range of diseases including certain leukemias and inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Understanding the events and protein complexes involved in switching on specific genes in T cells will potentially identify molecules which can be targeted in an effort to control inappropriate gene expression in these disease states.