What Role Do DNA Repair Pathways Play in Cancer Development?
Defective DNA repair pathways are a hallmark of many cancers. When repair mechanisms fail, DNA damage accumulates, increasing the likelihood of mutations that activate oncogenes or inactivate tumor suppressor genes. For instance, mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, involved in HR, are associated with increased breast and ovarian cancer risk. Understanding these pathways helps in developing targeted therapies, such as PARP inhibitors for BRCA-mutant cancers.
