Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

10:59
Visualizing and Quantifying Endonuclease-Based Site-Specific DNA Damage
Published on: August 21, 2021
Molecular pathways involved in cell death after chemically induced DNA damage
Roberto Sánchez-Olea1, Mónica R Calera, Alexei Degterev
1Instituto de Física, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Mexico. rsanchez@ifisica.uaslp.mx
EXS
|January 23, 2009
Summary
This review covers how DNA damage from cancer drugs activates cell cycle control and DNA repair. Understanding these processes aids in developing more effective and targeted cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- DNA damage is a critical factor in cancer development, progression, and therapeutic response.
- Small molecules that induce DNA damage are a cornerstone of current cancer treatment strategies.
- Cell cycle control and DNA repair pathways are activated in response to DNA damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms of DNA damage-inducing small molecules used in cancer therapy.
- To explore recent discoveries in cell cycle control and DNA repair.
- To discuss the application of these findings in developing advanced cancer treatments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of molecular mechanisms.
- Analysis of cell cycle control and DNA repair pathways.
- Synthesis of recent research findings.
Main Results:
- Detailed examination of commonly used DNA damage-inducing small molecules.
- Identification of key regulators in cell cycle checkpoints and DNA repair.
- Highlighting novel therapeutic strategies leveraging these biological processes.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced understanding of DNA damage response pathways is crucial for cancer therapy.
- Targeting cell cycle control and DNA repair can improve treatment efficacy and selectivity.
- Future cancer treatments will likely integrate knowledge of DNA damage mechanisms for personalized approaches.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
Overview of DNA Repair
In order to be passed through generations, genomic DNA must be undamaged and error-free. However, every day, DNA in a cell undergoes several thousand to a million damaging events by natural causes and external factors. Ionizing radiation such as UV rays, free radicals produced during cellular respiration, and hydrolytic damage from metabolic reactions can alter the structure of DNA. Damages caused include single-base alteration, base dimerization, chain breaks, and cross-linkage.
Chemically...
Chemically...
Overview of DNA Repair
In order to be passed through generations, genomic DNA must be undamaged and error-free. However, every day, DNA in a cell undergoes several thousand to a million damaging events by natural causes and external factors. Ionizing radiation such as UV rays, free radicals produced during cellular respiration, and hydrolytic damage from metabolic reactions can alter the structure of DNA. Damages caused include single-base alteration, base dimerization, chain breaks, and cross-linkage.
Chemically...
Chemically...
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
Overview of Cell Death
Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...

