SWI/SNF Related, Matrix Associated, Actin Dependent Regulator Of Chromatin, Subfamily D, Member 3 (SMARCD3)

SMARCD3 is a member of the SWI/SNF family of proteins, whose members display helicase and ATPase activities and which are thought to regulate transcription of certain genes by altering the chromatin structure around those genes. SMARCD3 is part of the large ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex SNF/SWI and has sequence similarity to the yeast Swp73 protein. Smarcd3 silencing by RNA interference in mouse embryos caused defects in heart morphogenesis, reflecting impaired expansion of the anterior/secondary heart field, and also caused abnormal cardiac and skeletal muscle differentiation. An intermediate reduction in Smarcd3 expression led to defects in outflow tract remodeling reminiscent of human congenital heart defects.