This gene encodes a member of the RecA/Rad51-related protein family that participates in homologous recombination to maintain chromosome stability and repair DNA damage. This gene is involved in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks by homologous recombination and it functionally complements Chinese hamster irs1, a repair-deficient mutant that exhibits hypersensitivity to a number of different DNA-damaging agents. [From RefSeq]

The XRCC2 gene spans approximately 31 kb in the genomic DNA with three coding exons.  Expectedly, it is a functional candidate for modifying cancer risk and survival.  Common polymorphisms within this gene, including Arg188His polymorphism, have been identified as potential susceptibility in breast, ovarian, thyroid and colorectal cancer.