SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complex in Regulating Mesenchymal Stem Cell Lineage Specification

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) can be obtained from various tissues and differentiate into many different lineages, including osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes, cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes and neural cells both in vivo and in vitro. However, the ability of MSC to differentiate into specific lineages seems to be restricted and requires a deeper understanding of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetic mechanism refers to a process that regulates heritable alterations in gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. SWI/SNF (SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable), a chromatin-remodeling complex serves as an ideal intervention point for lineage manipulation of MSC. In this review, we discuss the importance of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex in regulating the fate determination of MSC. We propose that selectively manipulation of subunits of SWI/SNF will enhance the lineagespecific differentiation of MSC and improve therapeutic application of MSC.