(... jeen) 
A gene that makes a protein involved in the first step of making proteins and in repairing damaged DNA. Mutations (changes) in the ERCC2 gene may cause cells to lose their ability to repair damaged DNA, which may lead to abnormal cell growth. ERCC2 gene mutations have been found in several inherited syndromes, including a condition called xeroderma pigmentosum. People with this condition have a very high risk of developing skin cancer and other types of cancer.