DNA Damage Response Activation

DNA damage response activation initiates cellular mechanisms detecting genotoxic insults and triggering repair or apoptosis. Sensor kinases including ATM and ATR detect DNA double-strand breaks and single-strand breaks. Checkpoint activation halts cell cycle progression permitting repair completion. Apoptosis triggers programmed cell death eliminating unrepairable damage.

Chemotherapy and targeted radiation therapy induce intentional DNA damage triggering cancer cell death. Deficient DNA damage response from BRCA mutations increases chemotherapy sensitivity but elevates unrepaired damage risk. Immunotherapy efficacy correlates with DNA damage burden stimulating anti-tumour immune responses. Biomarkers including ?-H2AX foci quantitate DNA damage burden. Emerging DNA damage-modulating therapeutics improve treatment efficacy.