Component of the post-replicative DNA mismatch repair system (MMR). Forms three different heterodimers: MutS alpha (MSH2-MSH6 heterodimer), MutS beta (MSH2-MSH3 heterodimer) and MutS gamma (MSH2-MSH7 heterodimer) which binds to DNA mismatches thereby initiating DNA repair. MutS alpha and MutS beta recognize single base mismatches and trinucleotide insertion-deletion loops (IDL) in the DNA. MutS gamma recognizes specifically the T/G single base mismatch. Plays a role in DNA homologous recombination repair and has a broad range of anti-recombination effects. Can suppress recombination between divergent direct repeats in somatic cells and possesses an anti-recombination meiotic effect. Is involved in a UV-B-induced DNA damage response pathway. Heterodimer consisting of MSH2-MSH6 (MutS alpha), MSH2-MSH3 (MutS beta) and MSH2-MSH7 (MutS gamma). By UV-B. No visible phenotype under normal growth conditions. Belongs to the DNA mismatch repair MutS family.