DNA Strand Breakage

DNA strand breakage refers to the disruption of the phosphodiester backbone of DNA, resulting in either single-strand breaks (SSBs) or double-strand breaks (DSBs). These lesions are critical forms of DNA damage that can arise from both endogenous cellular processes and exogenous sources. Unrepaired or misrepaired strand breaks can lead to mutations, chromosomal translocations, cell cycle arrest, or apoptosis. Double-strand breaks, in particular, pose significant threats to genomic stability. Cells have evolved robust repair mechanisms, including SSBR, BER, NER, HR, and NHEJ, to address these lesions.

Various; depends on the specific drug and repair pathway involved. Chemotherapeutic agents directly induce DNA strand breaks or interfere with DNA replication, leading to strand breaks. PARP inhibitors prevent the repair of single-strand breaks, leading to double-strand breaks and cell death.