Back to analysis

MSH2 Gene Function

MutS Homolog 2

ProteinCurated

Overview

MSH2 forms mismatch-recognition complexes with MSH6 or MSH3. Loss of MSH2 can disable mismatch repair and cause microsatellite instability; inherited pathogenic variants are associated with Lynch syndrome.

Read the DNA repair and genomic instability topic guide

Molecular Mechanism

Detailed mechanism data is not yet available for MSH2.

Key Pathways

  • ·DNA mismatch repair
  • ·Microsatellite stability
  • ·DNA-damage recognition

Disease Associations

  • ·Lynch syndrome
  • ·Colorectal cancer
  • ·Endometrial cancer
  • ·Muir–Torre syndrome

Research Activity

MSH2 is an actively studied target: about 30+ clinical trials that mention it are currently recruiting on ClinicalTrials.gov. Trial activity reflects research interest, not proven benefit — designs, endpoints and populations vary widely.

Track MSH2 trials

New and changed oncology trials, summarised in plain language each day.

Functional Partners

Common Questions About MSH2

What does MSH2 do?

MSH2 participates in DNA mismatch repair, Microsatellite stability, DNA-damage recognition. MSH2 forms mismatch-recognition complexes with MSH6 or MSH3. Loss of MSH2 can disable mismatch repair and cause microsatellite instability; inherited pathogenic variants are associated with Lynch syndrome.

Why is MSH2 relevant to cancer research?

Its reported relevance includes Lynch syndrome, Colorectal cancer, Endometrial cancer. The exact alteration, assay and disease context determine what a result can support.

Answers are based on peer-reviewed literature from PubMed and curated gene databases. Read our complete guide to gene function →