Boundary issues: SWI/SNF shapes chromatin patterns in and around centromeres

The SWI/SNF family of chromatin remodelling complexes, comprising BAF, PBAF and ncBAF, is known for their critical roles in regulating chromatin accessibility and gene expression in mammalian cells. Recent advances have shed light on a function for SWI/SNF complexes, particularly PBAF, at centromeres. In this review, we explore the emerging roles of SWI/SNF complexes in safeguarding centromere stability and discuss how disruption of PBAF leads to centromere fragility. We propose that PBAF contributes to the establishment and maintenance of boundaries between heterochromatin and euchromatin regions within centromeres and pericentromeres, thus contributing to their overall architecture. By preserving these boundaries, PBAF ensures the functional integrity of centromeres, which is essential for faithful chromosome segregation.