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Updated: Jun 21, 2025

Visualizing and Quantifying Endonuclease-Based Site-Specific DNA Damage
Published on: August 21, 2021
The molecular crosstalk between innate immunity and DNA damage repair/response: Interactions and effects in cancers
Sahar Omidvar1, Vahid Vahedian2, Zahra Sourani3
1Cancer Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
Abstract:
DNA damage can lead to erroneous alterations and mutations which in turn can result into wide range of disease condition including aging, severe inflammation, and, most importantly, cancer. Due to the constant exposure to high-risk factors such as exogenous and endogenous DNA-damaging agents, cells may experience DNA damage impairing stability and integrity of the genome. These perturbations in DNA structure can arise from several mutations in the genome. Therefore, DNA Damage Repair/Response (DDR) detects and then corrects these potentially tumorigenic problems by inducing processes such as DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, etc. Additionally, DDR can activate signaling pathways related to immune system as a protective mechanism against genome damage. These protective machineries are ignited and spread through a network of molecules including DNA damage sensors, transducers, kinases and downstream effectors. In this review, we are going to discuss the molecular crosstalk between innate immune system and DDR, as well as their potential effects on cancer pathophysiology.
Insights
DNA damage triggers cellular responses, including DNA Damage Repair/Response (DDR), to prevent diseases like cancer. This review explores the interplay between DDR and the innate immune system in cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- DNA damage from various agents can cause mutations, leading to aging, inflammation, and cancer.
- Genomic instability arises from DNA structural perturbations and mutations.
- The DNA Damage Repair/Response (DDR) pathway is crucial for maintaining genome integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular crosstalk between the innate immune system and DDR.
- To elucidate the role of this crosstalk in cancer pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on molecular mechanisms.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involving DNA damage sensors, transducers, kinases, and effectors.
- Examination of immune system activation in response to DNA damage.
Main Results:
- DDR activates protective processes like DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis.
- DDR can engage innate immune signaling pathways as a defense against genome damage.
- The interaction between DDR and innate immunity influences cancer development.
Conclusions:
- The crosstalk between innate immunity and DDR is a critical factor in cancer pathophysiology.
- Understanding this interplay may reveal novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
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