What are the Implications of Defective DSB Repair Mechanisms?
Defects in DSB repair pathways are often linked to increased cancer risk. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are crucial for HR, significantly elevate the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Individuals with these mutations have a reduced ability to repair DSBs accurately, leading to an accumulation of genetic damage over time.