NER involves several key steps: damage recognition, unwinding of the DNA helix, excision of the damaged strand, synthesis of new DNA to replace the excised section, and ligation to seal the nick. The process is carried out by a complex of proteins, including XPC, TFIIH, XPA, ERCC1-XPF, and XPG. Defects in any of these components can hamper the NER process, leading to an accumulation of DNA damage.
