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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Visualizing Single-Stranded DNA Foci in the G1 Phase of the Cell Cycle
Published on: December 22, 2023
The mechanics of base excision repair, and its relationship to aging and disease
David M Wilson1, Vilhelm A Bohr
1Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging/NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
Abstract:
Base excision repair (BER) is the major pathway responsible for averting the mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of spontaneous hydrolytic, oxidative, and non-enzymatic alkylation DNA damage. In particular, this pathway recognizes and repairs base modifications, such as uracil and 8-hydroxyguanine, as well as abasic sites and DNA single-strand breaks. In this review, we outline the basic mechanics of the BER process, and describe the potential association of this pathway with aging and age-related disease, namely cancer and neurodegeneration.
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