RAD51

Homologous DNA recombinase that catalyzes strand exchange, a key step in DNA repair through homologous recombination (HR). Binds to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) in an ATP-dependent manner to form nucleoprotein filaments which are essential for the homology search and strand exchange. Catalyzes the recognition of homology and strand exchange between homologous DNA partners to form a joint molecule between a processed DNA break and the repair template. RAD51 targeting to ssDNA promotes removal of replication protein-A (RPA) from ssDNA and stabilization of RAD51-ssDNA filaments by blocking ATP hydrolysis. Nucleosomal DNA is peeled from the histone surface by the RAD51 filament. Recruited to resolve stalled replication forks during replication stress. Also required for homologous recombination during meiosis by acting as an non-catalytic accessory factor for DMC1 recombinase, enabling proper chromosome pairing and crossing over (By similarity). Plays a role in regulating mitochondrial DNA copy number under conditions of oxidative stress in the presence of RAD51C and XRCC3. Also involved in interstrand cross-link repair..

Function from UniProtKB (Q06609), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.