Genomic instability is a hallmark of cancer, and impaired MRE11 function can lead to an accumulation of DNA damage, driving oncogenesis. Mutations or deficiencies in MRE11 have been associated with various cancers, including breast, colorectal, and lung cancer. Dysfunctional MRE11 results in defective DNA repair mechanisms, increasing susceptibility to mutations and chromosomal aberrations that predispose cells to malignant transformation.
