該基因編碼的蛋白質與釀酒酵母RAD50非常相似，后者是一種參與DNA雙鏈斷裂修復的蛋白質。這種蛋白與MRE11和NBS1形成復合物。這種蛋白復合物與DNA結合，并表現出DNA末端非同源連接所需的許多酶活性。這種蛋白與它的伙伴合作，對DNA雙鏈斷裂修復、細胞周期檢查點激活、端粒維持和減數分裂重組很重要。對小鼠同系物的敲除研究表明，該基因對細胞生長和生存至關重要。這種基因的突變是導致奈梅根斷裂綜合征樣疾病的原因
The protein encoded by this gene is highly similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rad50, a protein involved in DNA double-strand break repair. This protein forms a complex with MRE11 and NBS1. The protein complex binds to DNA and displays numerous enzymatic activities that are required for nonhomologous joining of DNA ends. This protein, cooperating with its partners, is important for DNA double-strand break repair, cell cycle checkpoint activation, telomere maintenance, and meiotic recombination. Knockout studies of the mouse homolog suggest this gene is essential for cell growth and viability. Mutations in this gene are the cause of Nijmegen breakage syndrome-like disorder.