INO80 is a conserved ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling complex that regulates chromatin structure and gene expression. It is named after its founding member, the yeast protein Ino80, and its functions and mechanisms of action in chromatin remodelling are essential for correct gene regulation and genome maintenance. One of the primary functions of the INO80 complex is to slide or eject nucleosomes along the DNA. INO80's ability to move nucleosomes allows it to expose or conceal specific DNA sequences, thereby regulating access to the underlying DNA. This function is therefore essential for controlling gene expression. INO80 is additionally involved in DNA repair mechanisms including homologous recombination and double-strand break repair. It helps here to remodel chromatin at sites of DNA damage, making the DNA more accessible to the repair machinery. Additionally, INO80 can facilitate the eviction of nucleosomes from damaged regions, allowing the DNA repair processes to act more efficiently. During DNA replication, INO80 contributes to the establishment of the correct chromatin structure on newly synthesized DNA. It assists in nucleosome assembly, ensuring that histones are correctly deposited onto newly replicated DNA strands. This function is therefore critical for maintaining genome integrity during replication. INO80 can both activate and repress gene transcription by altering nucleosome positions or occupancy at promoters and enhancers, and thereby influencing the accessibility of RNA polymerase and transcription factors to DNA. This activity allows INO80 to regulate gene expression in response to different cellular requirements. The INO80 complex consists of multiple subunits, each with specific roles. The core of the complex is the ATPase subunit, Ino80, or its homologs in other organisms. The ATPase subunit is responsible for the energy-dependent chromatin remodelling activities of the complex. INO80 complexes are targeted to specific genomic regions through interactions with DNA-binding proteins, transcription factors, or post-translational modifications on histones. This targeting ensures that INO80 acts at the right locations within the genome. The ATPase subunit of INO80 hydrolyses ATP to provide the energy required for chromatin remodelling. As ATP is hydrolysed, the complex undergoes conformational changes, allowing it to interact with nucleosomes. INO80 can then use this energy to disrupt histone-DNA interactions, leading to nucleosome sliding, removal, or repositioning. INO80 remodels chromatin by either repositioning nucleosomes along the DNA or ejecting them completely. This reorganization, if completed, can create nucleosome-free regions at gene promoters, enhancers, or other regulatory elements, making the DNA highly accessible to transcription factors and other chromatin modifiers. In gene regulation INO80 often works in coordination with other chromatin remodelling complexes and histone-modifying enzymes to achieve specific chromatin states. These interactions allow for precise regulation of gene expression and other chromatin-related processes. Thus, INO80 is a versatile chromatin remodelling complex that carries out essential functions in regulating gene expression, DNA repair, replication, and maintaining chromatin structure. Its mechanism of action relies on the ATPase subunit, which uses energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to alter nucleosome positioning and occupancy. Explore our full INO80 product range below and discover more, for less.