The DNA repair protein Rad50 is a member of the structural maintenance of chromosomes family and plays an important role in cell cycle checkpoint signaling and double-strand break repair in response to DNA damage. Rad50 forms a complex with Mre11 and NBS1 that becomes activated in response to DNA damage. In normal human cells, the MRN complex acts to tether linear DNA molecules, providing a flexible link between DNA ends. Genomic instability and cancer have been shown to develop in cells with genetic mutations affecting the proteins in the MRN complex. ATM-dependent phosphorylation of Rad50 at Ser635 in response to DNA damage is important in regulating downstream signaling, DNA repair, and checkpoint control.
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