Structural maintenance of chromosomes protein 1A (SMC1A)

Structural maintenance of chromosomes protein 1A (SMC1A) is a core subunit of the cohesin complex, a highly conserved multi-protein structure required for holding sister chromatids together during the cell cycle, facilitating proper chromosome segregation, regulating DNA repair, and maintaining genome stability[1][2][3][4][5]. SMC1A is an ATPase protein and a member of the structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) protein family. In addition to its role in cohesion, SMC1A participates in DNA loop formation, gene transcription regulation, and DNA damage responses. Mutations in the SMC1A gene are linked to developmental disorders—most notably Cornelia de Lange syndrome—and have been implicated in various cancers due to their effects on genomic stability and cell cycle checkpoints. SMC1A itself is not considered a direct drug target, though dysregulation contributes to disease and is a subject of research interest in oncology and developmental genetics.

Other names

SMC1ASMC1 alphaStructural maintenance of chromosomes 1ASMC1L1

Not applicable; SMC1A is not currently a direct therapeutic target for approved drugs, but proposed mechanisms for targeted inhibition would include interfering with cohesin ring dynamics, ATPase activity, or protein-protein interactions within the cohesin complex[5].