Cellular DNA repair proteins (DDR proteins)

Cellular DNA repair proteins constitute a diverse group of enzymes and signaling molecules responsible for identifying and correcting damage to the DNA molecule, thereby maintaining genomic integrity. These proteins operate through several distinct pathways, including base excision repair (BER), nucleotide excision repair (NER), homologous recombination (HR), and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) (Source: Nature Reviews Cancer, 2021). In the context of oncology, these proteins are critical therapeutic targets because many cancer cells possess defects in one repair pathway, making them overly reliant on alternative pathways for survival. By pharmacologically inhibiting these remaining repair proteins—a concept known as synthetic lethality—clinicians can selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells while sparing normal tissue (Source: NIH National Cancer Institute). Prominent examples of drugs targeting this class include PARP inhibitors, which have revolutionized the treatment of BRCA-mutated breast and ovarian cancers (Source: FDA, 2023). Beyond cancer, mutations in DNA repair proteins are linked to premature aging and neurodegeneration, highlighting their fundamental role in cellular homeostasis (Source: UniProt).

Other names

DNA damage response proteinsDNA repair machineryGenome stability proteinsDNA maintenance proteins

Inhibition of specific DNA repair enzymes (e.g., PARP, ATR, ATM, DNA-PK) to induce synthetic lethality in repair-deficient cells or to sensitize tumors to DNA-damaging agents like chemotherapy and radiation.