Defects in HR can lead to genomic instability, which is a hallmark of cancer. Certain genetic conditions, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, are characterized by impaired HR. Individuals with these mutations have an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers due to their cells' inability to effectively repair DSBs. In toxicology, assessing HR competency is essential for determining an individual's susceptibility to carcinogens and their response to DNA-damaging therapies.
