Anti-MSH2 antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

MSH2 also known as MutS Homolog 2 is a human protein with a molecular weight of approximately 100 kDa. It is an important component of the DNA mismatch repair system and plays an essential role in maintaining genomic stability by recognizing and repairing mismatched nucleotides during DNA replication. Expression of the MSH2 protein occurs broadly in dividing cells across various tissues with notable presence in tissues with high proliferation rates such as the colon and the endometrium. Additionally detection and quantification of MSH2 are often performed using methodologies such as MSH2 ELISA which aids in the assessment of its expression levels in different biological samples.

Biological function summary

Components are identified in mismatch repair where MSH2 forms a heterodimer with MSH6 known as the MutSα complex or with MSH3 known as the MutSβ complex. This heterodimerization is critical for the initial steps in the recognition and binding of mismatch errors on the DNA strand. MSH2 complex formation enables it to scan the DNA for errors facilitating the recruitment of additional repair proteins. The activity of MSH2 in these complexes is important in preserving the fidelity of genetic information and prevents mutations that could lead to genomic instability.

Pathways

MSH2 operates within the DNA damage response and repair pathways. The protein is a core component of the mismatch repair pathway which corrects DNA replication errors that elude proofreading activity of DNA polymerases. It interacts with other proteins such as MLH1 and PMS2 forming a synergistic function that amplifies the capacity to recognize and initiate repair of mismatches. The pathway involving MSH2 not only repairs mismatched bases but also plays a role in cell cycle control checkpoints and apoptosis evidencing its pivotal role in maintaining cell cycle integrity.

Associated diseases and disorders

Studies show that MSH2 is strongly associated with Lynch syndrome an autosomal dominant inherited condition that increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Mutations in the MSH2 gene impair its mismatch repair function and lead to microsatellite instability a hallmark of cancer cells in this disorder. Furthermore alterations in the MSH2 protein also relate to glioblastomas with correlations observed between MSH2 expression levels and tumor progression. These conditions exemplify the important role of MSH2 and its interaction with other DNA repair proteins in preventing cancerous developments.