Structural maintenance of chromosomes protein 2 (SMC2)

Structural maintenance of chromosomes protein 2 (SMC2) is a central component of the condensin complex, which is required for transforming interphase chromatin into mitotic chromosomes and proper chromosome segregation during cell division[1][2][6]. SMC2 forms a heterodimer with SMC4, providing the ATPase activity that powers condensin-mediated supercoiling and compaction of DNA. It is essential for cell proliferation and is implicated in carcinogenesis, as its overexpression promotes tumor cell growth while its inhibition results in mitotic defects and apoptotic cell death[1][6]. Mutations or deletions in the SMC2 gene are associated with developmental syndromes such as Cornelia de Lange syndrome[1][2]. SMC2 is being explored as a potential therapeutic target in oncology due to its critical role in cancer cell proliferation[6].

Other names

Chromosome-associated protein ECAP-ESMC2L1SMC-2CAPESMC protein 2XCAP-E homologstructural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) family member

Knockdown or inhibition of SMC2 leads to mitotic catastrophe and cell death in cancer cells[6]. Potential induction of apoptosis through disruption of chromosome condensation and division.