P51531

Brm also designated SMARCA2 is a member of the SWI/SNF family of proteins and is highly similar to the brahma protein of Drosophila. Brm plays a crucial role in gene regulation. Brm functions as a transcriptional activator of Hox genes, interacting with nearly all transcriptionally active chromatin while maintaining a non-overlapping pattern with Polycomb, a known repressor of Hox gene transcription. This unique interaction is vital for proper expression of homeotic genes, as the Brm complex acts as an essential coactivator for the trithorax group protein Zeste, which binds to DNA and activates these genes. Notably, a reduction in Brm function significantly decreases the association of RNA polymerase II with Drosophila salivary gland chromosomes, indicating that chromatin remodeling activity of the Brm complex is fundamental for facilitating transcription by RNA polymerase II.