Can Dysfunctional DNA Repair Mechanisms Lead to Cancer?
Yes, dysfunctional DNA repair mechanisms are a major contributor to cancer. Normally, cells have systems in place to repair DNA damage. When these systems fail due to mutations or other factors, DNA damage can accumulate, leading to further genetic instability and the potential development of cancer. Genes involved in DNA repair, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are often implicated in cancer when they are mutated.
