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Updated: May 4, 2026
Characterizing DNA Repair Processes at Transient and Long-lasting Double-strand DNA Breaks by Immunofluorescence Microscopy
Published on: June 8, 2018
Interplay between DNA repair and inflammation, and the link to cancer
Dawit Kidane1, Wook Jin Chae, Jennifer Czochor
1Departments of Therapeutic Radiology and Genetics .
Abstract:
DNA damage and repair are linked to cancer. DNA damage that is induced endogenously or from exogenous sources has the potential to result in mutations and genomic instability if not properly repaired, eventually leading to cancer. Inflammation is also linked to cancer. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONs) produced by inflammatory cells at sites of infection can induce DNA damage. RONs can also amplify inflammatory responses, leading to increased DNA damage. Here, we focus on the links between DNA damage, repair, and inflammation, as they relate to cancer. We examine the interplay between chronic inflammation, DNA damage and repair and review recent findings in this rapidly emerging field, including the links between DNA damage and the innate immune system, and the roles of inflammation in altering the microbiome, which subsequently leads to the induction of DNA damage in the colon. Mouse models of defective DNA repair and inflammatory control are extensively reviewed, including treatment of mouse models with pathogens, which leads to DNA damage. The roles of microRNAs in regulating inflammation and DNA repair are discussed. Importantly, DNA repair and inflammation are linked in many important ways, and in some cases balance each other to maintain homeostasis. The failure to repair DNA damage or to control inflammatory responses has the potential to lead to cancer.
Insights
DNA damage and inflammation are key drivers of cancer. Understanding their intricate relationship and the body's repair mechanisms is crucial for developing new cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- DNA damage, if unrepaired, can cause mutations and genomic instability, leading to cancer.
- Inflammation, through reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONs), can induce and amplify DNA damage, contributing to cancer development.
- The interplay between chronic inflammation, DNA damage, and repair is a critical area of cancer research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the complex links between DNA damage, DNA repair, and inflammation in the context of cancer.
- To review recent findings on the relationship between DNA damage and the innate immune system.
- To discuss the role of inflammation in altering the microbiome and inducing DNA damage, particularly in colon cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on chronic inflammation, DNA damage, and repair mechanisms.
- Examination of mouse models with defective DNA repair and inflammatory control.
- Discussion of the role of microRNAs in regulating inflammation and DNA repair.
Main Results:
- Chronic inflammation, DNA damage, and repair processes are interconnected and influence cancer development.
- Inflammation can alter the microbiome, leading to DNA damage in the colon.
- Mouse models demonstrate the impact of defective DNA repair and inflammatory control on cancer progression.
- MicroRNAs play a regulatory role in both inflammation and DNA repair pathways.
Conclusions:
- The intricate relationship between DNA damage, repair, and inflammation is fundamental to cancer biology.
- Dysregulation in DNA repair or inflammatory responses can significantly increase cancer risk.
- Further research into these links may reveal novel therapeutic strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.
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