BRCA2-interacting transcriptional repressor EMSY (EMSY)

EMSY is a nuclear protein encoded on human chromosome 11q13.5, consisting of 1322 amino acids and containing an N-terminal domain (ENT). It was first identified as a BRCA2-binding partner and is involved in homologous recombination repair of DNA double-strand breaks. EMSY represses BRCA2’s transcriptional activation and can migrate to sites of DNA damage, regulating DNA repair, chromatin remodeling, and gene expression. Amplification or overexpression of EMSY in cancer disrupts BRCA2/RAD51-associated DNA repair pathways and induces chromosomal instability, contributing to cancer development and chemoresistance. It also regulates microRNA expression (e.g., miR-31), influencing cell invasiveness and drug response. While considered a potential therapeutic target in cancers with EMSY aberrations, the full spectrum of its functions and impact on drug response remains the subject of ongoing research.

Other names

EMSYC11orf30GL002BRCA2-interacting transcriptional repressor EMSYProtein EMSY

Drugs target DNA-damaging pathways: EMSY amplification mimics BRCA2 deficiency, sensitizing cells to DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics and modifying response to PARP inhibitors.\nHigh EMSY expression reduces taxane sensitivity by down-regulating miR-31, which up-regulates chemoresistance mediators (MET, STMN1)