Function
DNA mismatch repair proteins are key players in genomic stability by signalling mismatches occurring during DNA replication and recombination[1] .
MutS is prokaryotic and recognizes base-base mismatches and small insertion/deletion mispairs[2] .
MutL enhances recognition of mismatches[3]
MutH is the eukaryotic homolog of MutS
MLH1, MLH3, PMS1, PMS2 are the human homologs of MutL[4]
Disease
Mutations in DNA mismatch repair proteins cause hereditary colorectal cancer and loss of these proteins cause significant fraction of sporadic cancers[5].
Structural highlights
MutS is composed of several domains: N-terminal mismatch-recognition domain; connector domain; core domain; clamp domain; ATPase domain; helix-turn-helix domain. The complex between E. coli MutS and DNA in the scanning mode shows the straight DNA strand clamped between the two MutS monomers and held by the (residues 1-115) and the (residues 444-503)[6]. In the 3D structure of the mismatch-bound MutS, the DNA strand is kinked by 60 degrees.
3D structures of DNA mismatch repair protein
DNA mismatch repair protein 3D structures