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Updated: Oct 25, 2025
Visualizing and Quantifying Endonuclease-Based Site-Specific DNA Damage
Published on: August 21, 2021
Crosstalk between autophagy and DNA repair systems
Sinem Demirbağ-Sarikaya1, Hatice Çakir1, Devrim Gözüaçik1,2,3
1SUNUM Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, İstanbul Turkey.
Abstract:
Autophagy and DNA repair are two essential biological mechanisms that maintain cellular homeostasis. Impairment of these mechanisms was associated with several pathologies such as premature aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Intrinsic or extrinsic stress stimuli (e.g., reactive oxygen species or ionizing radiation) cause DNA damage. As a biological stress response, autophagy is activated following insults that threaten DNA integrity. Hence, in collaboration with DNA damage repair and response mechanisms, autophagy contributes to the maintenance of genomic stability and integrity. Yet, connections and interactions between these two systems are not fully understood. In this review article, current status of the associations and crosstalk between autophagy and DNA repair systems is documented and discussed.
Insights
Autophagy and DNA repair maintain cell health. This review explores their crucial interactions in preventing diseases like cancer and aging, highlighting their role in genomic stability.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Autophagy and DNA repair are vital cellular processes for maintaining homeostasis.
- Dysfunction in these pathways is linked to aging, neurodegeneration, and cancer.
- DNA damage, induced by various stressors, triggers cellular responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss the current understanding of the interplay between autophagy and DNA repair.
- To elucidate the collaborative roles of these systems in maintaining genomic integrity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles on autophagy and DNA repair.
- Analysis of studies investigating the crosstalk and associations between these two mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Autophagy is activated as a stress response to DNA damage.
- Autophagy collaborates with DNA repair mechanisms to preserve genomic stability.
- The precise interactions and connections between these systems require further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Autophagy and DNA repair are interconnected pathways essential for cellular health.
- Understanding their crosstalk is critical for developing therapeutic strategies against age-related diseases and cancer.
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