The MSH2 (MutS homolog 2) gene plays a critical role in DNA mismatch repair (MMR), a system that corrects errors occurring during DNA replication. It encodes a protein that forms heterodimers with MSH6 or MSH3 to recognize and repair base mismatches and insertion-deletion loops. Defects in MSH2 impair MMR function, leading to microsatellite instability (MSI) and increased mutation rates, which are hallmarks of Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, HNPCC). Patients with MSH2 mutations have a high lifetime risk of colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, and other cancers.