What Are the Mechanisms of Genomic Instability Induced by Toxicants?
Toxicants can induce genomic instability through various mechanisms:
DNA Strand Breaks: Certain chemicals cause single or double-strand breaks in DNA, which can lead to mutations if not properly repaired. Base Modifications: Exposure to toxicants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can result in chemical modifications of DNA bases, leading to erroneous base pairing during replication. Interference with Replication and Repair: Some toxicants interfere with the DNA replication process or inhibit DNA repair mechanisms, increasing the likelihood of mutations. Epigenetic Alterations: Toxicants can induce epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and histone modification, affecting gene expression and genomic stability.
