DefinePK

Abstract

DNA repair mechanisms are the cellular safeguards that maintain the integrity of our genetic blueprint, ensuring that the information encoded within the DNA molecule remains intact. This review exploress the complex DNA repair mechanism, providing insight into the essential mechanisms that rectify different forms of DNA damage. From the nuanced correction of single-base lesions to the intricate coordination of double-strand break repair, the exploration navigates through the varied pathways cells utilize to defend against the continual threats to their genetic material. Major subjects addressed encompass Base Excision Repair (BER), Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER), Homologous Recombination (HR), and Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ). We unravel the mechanisms, proteins, and regulatory factors that govern these pathways, each tailored to address specific DNA damage, from chemical modifications to UV-induced thymine dimers and double-strand breaks. In an era of rapidly advancing biotechnology, we highlight emerging trends and future directions in DNA repair research, including using CRISPR-based gene editing techniques and developing small molecules that modulate repair pathways for therapeutic purposes.