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Updated: Aug 19, 2025

Author Spotlight: Understanding DNA Damage Response in Mammalian Oocytes and Preimplantation Embryos
Published on: June 23, 2023
DNA Damage Stress Response and Follicle Activation: Signaling Routes of Mammalian Ovarian Reserve
Stefania Gonfloni1, Carla Jodice1, Bianca Gustavino1
1Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Chemotherapy regimens and radiotherapy are common strategies to fight cancer. In women, these therapies may cause side effects such as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and infertility. Clinical strategies to protect the ovarian reserve from the lethal effect of cancer therapies needs better understanding of the mechanisms underlying iatrogenic loss of follicle reserve. Recent reports demonstrate a critical role for p53 and CHK2 in the oocyte response to different DNA stressors, which are commonly used to treat cancer. Here we review the molecular mechanisms underlying the DNA damage stress response (DDR) and discuss crosstalk between DDR and signaling pathways implicated in primordial follicle activation.
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