Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026

Author Spotlight: Deciphering the Role of ATM in Ataxia-Telangiectasia and the Associated Cerebellar Degeneration
Published on: December 27, 2024
Immune and inflammatory responses to DNA damage in cancer and aging
Clara Soria-Valles1, Alejandro López-Soto2, Fernando G Osorio1
1Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Oncología (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
Abstract:
Genome instability is a hallmark of both cancer and aging processes. Beyond cell-autonomous responses, it is known that DNA damage also elicits systemic mechanisms aimed at favoring survival and damaged cells clearance. Among these mechanisms, immune activation and NF-κB-mediated inflammation play central roles in organismal control of DNA damage. We focus herein on the different experimental evidences that have allowed gaining mechanistic insight about this relationship. We also describe the functional consequences of defective immune function in cancer development and age-related alterations. Finally, we discuss different intervention strategies based on enhancing immunity or on the modulation of the inflammatory response to improve organism homeostasis in cancer and aging.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of DNA Repair
Chemically...
Overview of DNA Repair
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
Nucleotide Excision Repair
Cells are regularly exposed to mutagens—factors in the environment that can damage DNA and generate mutations. UV radiation is one of the most common mutagens and is estimated to introduce a significant number of changes in DNA. These include bends or kinks in the structure, which can block DNA replication or transcription. If these errors are not fixed, the damage can cause mutations, which in turn can result in cancer or disease depending on which sequences are...
Nucleotide Excision Repair

