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Updated: Apr 14, 2026
Visualizing and Quantifying Endonuclease-Based Site-Specific DNA Damage
Published on: August 21, 2021
DNA Repair Endonucleases: Physiological Roles and Potential as Drug Targets
Rachel Doherty1, Srinivasan Madhusudan2
1Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Academic Unit of Oncology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK.
Abstract:
Genomic DNA is constantly exposed to endogenous and exogenous damaging agents. To overcome these damaging effects and maintain genomic stability, cells have robust coping mechanisms in place, including repair of the damaged DNA. There are a number of DNA repair pathways available to cells dependent on the type of damage induced. The removal of damaged DNA is essential to allow successful repair. Removal of DNA strands is achieved by nucleases. Exonucleases are those that progressively cut from DNA ends, and endonucleases make single incisions within strands of DNA. This review focuses on the group of endonucleases involved in DNA repair pathways, their mechanistic functions, roles in cancer development, and how targeting these enzymes is proving to be an exciting new strategy for personalized therapy in cancer.
Insights
Cells use DNA repair pathways to maintain genomic stability against damage. This review examines endonucleases, their roles in DNA repair and cancer, and their potential as cancer therapy targets.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Genomic DNA faces constant damage from internal and external sources.
- Cells possess sophisticated DNA repair mechanisms to preserve genomic stability.
- DNA repair pathways are diverse and depend on the specific type of DNA damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanistic functions of endonucleases in DNA repair pathways.
- To explore the involvement of endonucleases in cancer development.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting endonucleases in personalized cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of endonuclease functions in DNA repair.
- Analysis of the role of endonucleases in oncogenesis.
- Examination of current and emerging strategies for targeting endonucleases in cancer treatment.
Main Results:
- Endonucleases are crucial for removing damaged DNA segments, enabling successful repair.
- Dysregulation of endonuclease activity is linked to cancer development.
- Targeting specific endonucleases presents a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.
Conclusions:
- Endonucleases play a vital role in maintaining genomic integrity through DNA repair.
- Understanding endonuclease mechanisms is key to deciphering their contribution to cancer.
- Targeting endonucleases offers a potential strategy for developing personalized cancer treatments.
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