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Structural maintenance of chromosomes protein 5 (SMC5)
- Target
- SMC5
- Molecular classification
- Other (part of the SMC protein complex family), Chromatin-associated complex component
01
Overview
Structural maintenance of chromosomes protein 5 (SMC5) is a core component of the SMC5-SMC6 complex, a multi-protein complex essential for maintaining genome stability in eukaryotes[5]. SMC5, together with SMC6 and several non-SMC elements (NSEs), forms a chromatin-associated structure that promotes homologous recombination repair of DNA double-strand breaks, ensures proper sister chromatid cohesion, and helps in telomere maintenance via the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway[1][2][4][5]. The SMC5/6 complex binds and compacts DNA, facilitating DNA repair, replication, and proper chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis[2][3][4][7]. Loss of SMC5 or disruption of its complex leads to genomic instability, sensitivity to DNA damage, and is associated with certain inherited syndromes and cancer subtypes where ALT is active[5][7]. SMC5 is not currently the direct target of approved therapeutics, but its central roles in DNA repair make it of potential interest for future therapeutic or diagnostic development.
- Other names
- KIAA0594SMC5L1SMC protein 5SMC-5hSMC5ATELS2structural maintenance of chromosomes 5-like 1
02
Mechanism of action
no known drugs directly targeting SMC5; mechanisms would theoretically involve inhibition or modulation of DNA repair and chromosomal maintenance pathways
03
Biological functions
DNA repairHomologous recombinationMaintenance of genome stabilitySister chromatid cohesionRegulation of chromosome segregationDNA replicationTelomere maintenance (especially in ALT mechanism)
04
Disease associations
Cancer (implicated in alternative lengthening of telomeres—ALT)Genomic instability syndromes (e.g., Atelis Syndrome 2)Periventricular heterotopia with microcephaly, autosomal recessiveGerm cell genomic stability (potential infertility/developmental roles)
05
Safety considerations
Loss or inhibition can lead to genomic instability, aneuploidy, and increased cancer risk[5].Essential for normal chromosome segregation and genome integrity; loss-of-function mutations result in severe developmental defects and potential infertility[7].
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