Abstract

Members of the structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) family share a characteristic design and configuration of protein domains that provides the molecular basis for the various functions of this family in chromosome dynamics. SMC proteins have a role in chromosome condensation, sister-chromatid cohesion, DNA repair and recombination, and gene dosage compensation, and they function in somatic and meiotic cells. As more is learned about how their unique design affects their function, a picture of a dynamic and varied protein family is emerging.

Author affiliations

1. The Carl C. Icahn Institute for Gene Therapy and Molecular Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York 10029, USA.
   Email: rolf.jessberger@mssm.edu