SMC proteins

What do SMCs do in the cell? Each SMC dimer forms a functional complex with a distinct set of non-SMC subunits. SMC1–3 forms the core of the cohesin complex that functions in sister chromatid cohesion (Figure 1, left). SMC2–4 forms part of the condensin complex, a key player in mitotic chromosome condensation (Figure 1, right). Bacterial SMC is involved in chromosome partitioning and is thought to be an ancestor of condensin and cohesin. The SMC5–6 complex is implicated in DNA repair and checkpoint responses.