msh-5 encodes a germline-specific homolog of the yeast and mammalian DNA mismatch repair protein MSH5 (MutS-family) that is required for crossing over and chiasma formation during Caenorhabditis elegans meiosis; inactivation of both rad-51 and msh-5 induces chromosome fragmentation, not seen with inactivation of either gene alone.
Predicted to enable double-stranded DNA binding activity. Involved in chiasma assembly. Located in nucleus. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in lung non-small cell carcinoma; primary ovarian insufficiency 13; and spermatogenic failure. Is an ortholog of human MSH5 (mutS homolog 5).