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Updated: Mar 2, 2026
Visualizing and Quantifying Endonuclease-Based Site-Specific DNA Damage
Published on: August 21, 2021
Mechanisms of DNA damage, repair, and mutagenesis
Nimrat Chatterjee1, Graham C Walker1
1Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Abstract:
Living organisms are continuously exposed to a myriad of DNA damaging agents that can impact health and modulate disease-states. However, robust DNA repair and damage-bypass mechanisms faithfully protect the DNA by either removing or tolerating the damage to ensure an overall survival. Deviations in this fine-tuning are known to destabilize cellular metabolic homeostasis, as exemplified in diverse cancers where disruption or deregulation of DNA repair pathways results in genome instability. Because routinely used biological, physical and chemical agents impact human health, testing their genotoxicity and regulating their use have become important. In this introductory review, we will delineate mechanisms of DNA damage and the counteracting repair/tolerance pathways to provide insights into the molecular basis of genotoxicity in cells that lays the foundation for subsequent articles in this issue. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:235-263, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insights
Organisms face constant DNA damage, but repair mechanisms ensure survival. This review explores DNA damage, repair pathways, and the molecular basis of genotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Living organisms are constantly exposed to DNA damaging agents.
- DNA repair and damage-bypass mechanisms are crucial for cellular survival and genomic stability.
- Disruptions in DNA repair pathways are linked to diseases like cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate mechanisms of DNA damage.
- To explain counteracting DNA repair and tolerance pathways.
- To provide insights into the molecular basis of cellular genotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- This is an introductory review, not an experimental study.
- It synthesizes existing knowledge on DNA damage and repair.
- Focuses on molecular mechanisms and cellular responses.
Main Results:
- DNA damage is a continuous threat to organisms.
- Cells possess sophisticated repair and tolerance mechanisms.
- Genotoxicity arises from failures or deregulation of these pathways.
Conclusions:
- Understanding DNA damage and repair is vital for assessing health risks.
- This review establishes a foundation for understanding genotoxicity.
- Further research is needed to explore specific pathways and their implications.
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