Structure-specific endonuclease subunit MUS81 (MUS81)

Structure-specific endonuclease subunit MUS81 (MUS81) is a highly conserved nuclear enzyme that functions as part of a heterodimeric endonuclease complex (MUS81–EME1/EME2 in humans). This complex specifically cleaves branched DNA structures that arise during DNA replication and recombination, such as stalled replication forks and Holliday junctions, to facilitate the repair of DNA damage and resolution of recombination intermediates. MUS81's activity is critical during S phase and G2/M of the cell cycle, particularly in response to DNA damage and replication stress. The loss of MUS81 function results in hypersensitivity to DNA crosslinking agents and defects in chromosome segregation, highlighting its pivotal role in maintaining genome stability and preventing malignancy.

Other names

MUS81FLJ44872SLX3Crossover junction endonuclease MUS81MUS81 endonuclease homologSLX3 structure-specific endonuclease subunit homolog (S. cerevisiae)

Not directly drug-targeted; the enzymatic action is a structure-specific endonuclease cleaving branched DNA during homologous recombination repair and replication stress.