Brain tumors encompass a heterogeneous group of malignant tumors with variable 
histopathology, aggressiveness, clinical outcome and prognosis. Current gene 
expression profiling studies indicate interplay of genetic and epigenetic 
alterations in their pathobiology. A central molecular event underlying 
epigenetics is the alteration of chromatin structure by post-translational 
modifications of DNA and histones as well as nucleosome repositioning. Dynamic 
remodeling of the fundamental nucleosomal structure of chromatin or covalent 
histone marks located in core histones regulate main cellular processes 
including DNA methylation, replication, DNA-damage repair as well as gene 
expression. Deregulation of these processes has been linked to tumor suppressor 
gene silencing, cancer initiation and progression. The reversible nature of 
deregulated chromatin structure by DNA methylation and histone deacetylation 
inhibitors, leading to re-expression of tumor suppressor genes, makes 
chromatin-remodeling pathways as promising therapeutic targets. In fact, a 
considerable number of these inhibitors are being tested today either alone or 
in combination with other agents or conventional treatments in the management of 
brain tumors with considerable success. In this review, we focus on the 
mechanisms underpinning deregulated chromatin remodeling in brain tumors, 
discuss their potential clinical implications and highlight the advances toward 
new therapeutic strategies.