Two distinct SWI/SNF complexes direct chromatin-linked transcriptional programs in Toxoplasma [CUT&Run]

Higher eukaryotes have multiple remodeler subtypes based on the incorporation of different ATPases; however, the coordination and functional specificity of these diverse complexes is not well understood. Apicomplexan parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii have a limited set of chromatin remodelers offering a divergent setting in which to explore the function of homologous complexes.

These parasites have selectively retained the Myb domain–containing proteins with homology to chromatin-associated regulators like SNF2h and SWI3. Here, a comprehensive analysis of the Myb protein family in Toxoplasma defines the composition of two SWI3 complexes with mutually exclusive ATPase homologous—TgSNF2a and TgSNF2b. Integrating transcriptomics with a custom chromatin-profiling strategy, we show that TgSNF2a is essential for the timely transcription of genes, while TgSNF2b ensures global transcriptional competency and fidelity throughout the cell cycle and developmental transitions.