The role of the human DNA mismatch repair gene hMSH2 in DNA repair, cell cycle control and apoptosis: implications for pathogenesis, progression and therapy of cancer.

The cellular DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway, involving the DNA mismatch repair genes MLH1 and MSH2, detects and repairs DNA replication errors. Defects in MSH2 and MLH1 account for most cases of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer as well as for sporadic colorectal tumors. Additionally, increased expression of MSH2 RNA and/or protein has been reported in various malignancies. Loss of DNA MMR in mammalian cells has been linked to resistance to certain DNA damaging agents including clinically important cytotoxic chemotherapeutics. Due to other functions besides its role in DNA repair, that include regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis, MSH2 has recently been shown to be of importance for pathogenesis and progression of cancer. This review summarizes our present understanding of the function of MSH2 for DNA repair, cell cycle control, and apoptosis and discusses its importance for pathogenesis, progression and therapy of cancer.