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Programmed DNA Damage and Physiological DSBs: Mapping, Biological Significance and Perturbations in Disease States
Sara Oster1, Rami I Aqeilan1,2
1The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research-IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel.
Abstract:
DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) are known to be the most toxic and threatening of the various types of breaks that may occur to the DNA. However, growing evidence continuously sheds light on the regulatory roles of programmed DSBs. Emerging studies demonstrate the roles of DSBs in processes such as T and B cell development, meiosis, transcription and replication. A significant recent progress in the last few years has contributed to our advanced knowledge regarding the functions of DSBs is the development of many next generation sequencing (NGS) methods, which have considerably advanced our capabilities. Other studies have focused on the implications of programmed DSBs on chromosomal aberrations and tumorigenesis. This review aims to summarize what is known about DNA damage in its physiological context. In addition, we will examine the advancements of the past several years, which have made an impact on the study of genome landscape and its organization.
Insights
Programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are crucial for cellular processes like development and replication, not just damage. Recent advances, including next-generation sequencing, enhance our understanding of their roles and implications in genome organization and disease.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are traditionally viewed as highly toxic DNA damage.
- Emerging evidence highlights the critical regulatory roles of programmed DSBs in various biological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological roles of programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs).
- To examine recent advancements in understanding DSB functions and their impact on genome organization.
- To explore the implications of DSBs in chromosomal aberrations and tumorigenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on DNA double-strand breaks.
- Focus on advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods for DSB analysis.
- Analysis of research linking programmed DSBs to cellular processes and disease.
Main Results:
- Programmed DSBs are essential for T and B cell development, meiosis, transcription, and replication.
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has significantly improved the study of DSB functions.
- DSBs have implications for chromosomal aberrations and the development of cancer.
Conclusions:
- Programmed DSBs play vital physiological roles beyond DNA damage.
- Continued research, aided by advanced sequencing technologies, is crucial for understanding DSB mechanisms.
- DSB research offers insights into genome stability, cellular function, and disease pathogenesis.
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