InterPro domain: IPR027131

SMC5 is a core component of the SMC5-SMC6 complex [ 1 , 2 ], a complex involved in repair of DNA double-strand breaks by homologous recombination [ 3 , 4 ]. In humans, the SMC5-SMC6 complex may promote sister chromatid homologous recombination by recruiting the SMC1-SMC3 cohesin complex to double-strand breaks [ 5 ]. The complex is required for telomere maintenance via recombination in ALT (alternative lengthening of telomeres) cell lines and mediates sumoylation of shelterin complex (telosome) components which is proposed to lead to shelterin complex disassembly in ALT-associated PML bodies (APBs) [ 6 ]. SMC5 is required for sister chromatid cohesion during prometaphase and mitotic progression; the function seems to be independent of SMC6 [ 7 ].

1. A SUMO ligase is part of a nuclear multiprotein complex that affects DNA repair and chromosomal organization. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 102, 4777-82
2. Identification of the proteins, including MAGEG1, that make up the human SMC5-6 protein complex. Mol. Cell. Biol. 28, 1197-206
3. A novel SMC protein complex in Schizosaccharomyces pombe contains the Rad18 DNA repair protein. EMBO J. 19, 1691-702
4. SMC6 is required for MMS-induced interchromosomal and sister chromatid recombinations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. DNA Repair (Amst.) 3, 429-39
5. Human SMC5/6 complex promotes sister chromatid homologous recombination by recruiting the SMC1/3 cohesin complex to double-strand breaks. EMBO J. 25, 3377-88
6. The SMC5/6 complex maintains telomere length in ALT cancer cells through SUMOylation of telomere-binding proteins. Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 14, 581-90
7. SMC5 and MMS21 are required for chromosome cohesion and mitotic progression. Cell Cycle 8, 2211-8