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Domain

The zinc-hook, which separates the large intramolecular coiled coil regions, contains 2 Cys residues that coordinate one molecule of zinc with the help of the 2 Cys residues of the zinc-hook of another RAD50 molecule, thereby forming a V-shaped homodimer. The two heads of the homodimer, which constitute the ATP-binding domain, interact with the MRE11 homodimer.

Function

Component of the MRN complex, which plays a central role in double-strand break (DSB) repair, DNA recombination, maintenance of telomere integrity and meiosis (PubMed:15064416, PubMed:21757780, PubMed:27889449, PubMed:28134932, PubMed:28867292, PubMed:9590181, PubMed:9651580, PubMed:9705271). The MRN complex is involved in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) via homologous recombination (HR), an error-free mechanism which primarily occurs during S and G2 phases (PubMed:15064416, PubMed:21757780, PubMed:27889449, PubMed:28867292, PubMed:9590181, PubMed:9651580, PubMed:9705271). The complex (1) mediates the end resection of damaged DNA, which generates proper single-stranded DNA, a key initial steps in HR, and is (2) required for the recruitment of other repair factors and efficient activation of ATM and ATR upon DNA damage (PubMed:15064416, PubMed:27889449, PubMed:28867292, PubMed:9590181, PubMed:9651580, PubMed:9705271). The MRN complex possesses single-strand endonuclease activity and double-strand-specific 3'-5' exonuclease activity, which are provided by MRE11, to initiate end resection, which is required for single-strand invasion and recombination (PubMed:11741547, PubMed:9590181, PubMed:9651580, PubMed:9705271). Within the complex, RAD50 is both required to bind DNA ends and hold them in close proximity and regulate the activity of MRE11 (PubMed:11741547, PubMed:12805565, PubMed:28134932). RAD50 provides an ATP-dependent control of MRE11 by positioning DNA ends into the MRE11 active site: ATP-binding induces a large structural change from an open form with accessible MRE11 nuclease sites into a closed form (By similarity). The MRN complex is also required for DNA damage signaling via activation of the ATM and ATR kinases: the nuclease activity of MRE11 is not required to activate ATM and ATR (PubMed:15064416, PubMed:15790808, PubMed:16622404). The MRN complex is also required for the processing of R-loops (PubMed:31537797). In telomeres the MRN complex may modulate t-loop formation (PubMed:10888888).

Involvement in disease

Nijmegen breakage syndrome-like disorder

NBSLD

A disorder similar to Nijmegen breakage syndrome and characterized by chromosomal instability, radiation sensitivity, microcephaly, growth retardation, short stature and bird-like face. Immunodeficiency is absent.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Post-translational modifications

Phosphorylation at Ser-635 by ATM in response to DNA damage is required for double-strand break (DSB) repair.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the SMC family. RAD50 subfamily.

Tissue specificity

Expressed at very low level in most tissues, except in testis where it is expressed at higher level. Expressed in fibroblasts.

Cellular localization

  • Nucleus
  • Chromosome
  • Telomere
  • Chromosome
  • Localizes to discrete nuclear foci after treatment with genotoxic agents (PubMed:10783165, PubMed:26215093). Localizes to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) (PubMed:15916964, PubMed:21757780).

Alternative names

DNA repair protein RAD50, hRAD50, RAD50

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Oncology

Molecular weight

153892Da

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Primary Antibodies