NBS1 is a key component of the DNA damage response, particularly in the repair of double-strand breaks through homologous recombination. It works in conjunction with MRE11 and RAD50 to process DNA ends and facilitate repair. This complex also contributes to the activation of the ATM kinase, which is a critical regulator of the DNA damage checkpoint. Consequently, NBS1 ensures that cells do not progress through the cell cycle with damaged DNA, thus preventing the propagation of mutations.
