Double-strand break repair protein MRE11 (MRE11)

Double-strand break repair protein MRE11 is a highly conserved nuclear enzyme with both exonuclease and endonuclease activity, encoded by the MRE11A gene in humans. It functions primarily in the detection and repair of DNA double-strand breaks, crucial for maintaining genomic stability. MRE11 forms the MRN complex with Rad50 and NBS1, facilitating both homologous recombination and nonhomologous DNA end joining, and has important roles in telomere maintenance. Deficiency or mutation of MRE11 impairs DNA repair, leading to increased susceptibility to cancer and genomic disorders.

Other names

Meiotic recombination 11 homologMRE11 meiotic recombination 11 homolog A (in humans)MRE11A (gene symbol for human protein)

If targeted, drugs would likely inhibit its nuclease activity, impairing the repair of DNA double-strand breaks and sensitizing cells to DNA-damaging agents (e.g., radiotherapy, chemotherapy)