Molecular Classification
Enzyme, DNA Glycosylase, AP Endonuclease, Excinuclease, DNA Polymerase, DNA Ligase, PARP1, MRE11 nuclease, ATM/ATR kinases, BRCA1, 53BP1, MDC1
Other Names
DNA repair proteins, DNA maintenance enzymes
Disease Roles
CancerXeroderma pigmentosumAtaxia-telangiectasia

DNA Repair Enzymes Overview

DNA repair enzymes are a diverse group of proteins responsible for identifying and correcting damage to DNA molecules within cells. They play a critical role in maintaining genomic stability by repairing various types of DNA lesions that can arise from environmental factors or normal cellular processes. Without effective DNA repair mechanisms, cells accumulate mutations that can lead to diseases such as cancer. Different pathways like direct reversal, base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, and double-strand break repair are employed, involving enzymes like DNA glycosylases, AP endonucleases, excinucleases, DNA polymerases, and DNA ligases, as well as signaling proteins like PARP1, MRE11, ATM/ATR kinases, BRCA1, 53BP1, and MDC1. These enzymes are essential for cell survival following genotoxic stress, and defects in specific enzymes cause human diseases such as xeroderma pigmentosum or increased cancer susceptibility.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibition of DNA repair pathways to enhance cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents

Biological Functions

Genome maintenance
DNA repair
Error correction
Cell cycle regulation
Chromatin remodeling
Checkpoint activation

Disease Associations

Cancer
Xeroderma pigmentosum
Ataxia-telangiectasia
Genetic disorders
Increased cancer susceptibility

Safety Considerations

  • Off-target effects on normal cells
  • Development of resistance
  • Potential for secondary malignancies

Interacting Drugs

Chemotherapeutic agents (targeting DNA repair deficiencies)

Associated Biomarkers

Biomarker
Expression levels of DNA repair enzymes
Mutations in DNA repair genes