The DNA double-strand break response in the nervous system

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) require a coordinated molecular response to ensure cellular or organism survival. Many factors required for the DSB response, including those involved in non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination repair (HRR) are essential during nervous system development. Additionally, human syndromes resulting from defective responses to DNA damage often feature overt neuropathology such as neurodegeneration. Thus, appropriate responses to DSBs are critical for the normal development and maintenance of the nervous system.