The MSH6 gene located on chromosome 2p16 is one of the mismatch-repair genes involved in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). It performs other functions in the cell, like binding to damaged DNA to initiate events that result in damage-induced cytotoxicity. It shares five conserved protein domains (designated I-V) in common with bacterial MutS. However unlike bacterial MutS or Msh2, Msh6 has an additional evolutionarily conserved region preceding domain I, comprised of from 100-more than 600aa, depending on the organism. These N-Terminal Regions (NTRs) of Msh6 contain short, conserved PIP (PCNA interacting protein) boxes near the N-terminus that interact with PCNA, the sliding clamp that participates in both DNA replication and DNA mismatch repair. It forms a heterodimer with MSH2 and is also a part of the BRCA1-associated genome surveillance complex (BASC). The pathological role of Msh6 has also been identified in endometrial cancer.
Intended for research use only. Not for use in human, therapeutic, or diagnostic applications.