About this Research Topic

Background

The DNA repair system has evolved to maintain genome integrity. DNA damage may arise from both endogenous (i.e., DNA replication and recombination errors) and exogenous sources (i.e., UV, ionizing radiation). Accurate repair is essential in maintaining the genome and preventing the formation of cancer, and in fact, mutations to proteins involved in these processes have been clearly linked to cancer. In addition, it has been shown in an established sporadic solid tumor, oxidative stress and hypoxia can induce DNA repair up-regulation as an adaptive survival response, which can promote an aggressive phenotype.

DNA repair pathways are upregulated in tumors which can effectively process DNA damage caused by chemotherapy and radiation frequently used in cancer therapy. Increased chemo and radioresistance of cancer cells is a significant obstacle in the treatment and management of cancer. So, an important mechanism that underlies the development of such therapeutic resistance is that cancer cells recognize DNA lesions induced by DNA-damaging agents and by ionizing radiation, which they then repair by activating various DNA repair pathways. Therefore, inhibitors of specific DNA repair pathways might prove efficient when used in combination with DNA-damaging chemotherapeutic drugs and reversing the associated therapeutic resistance associated with DNA repair.

We welcome original research and review articles that cover recent and current research in DNA Repair alterations involved in resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer. Articles can describe different aspects of genetic, cellular, biochemical, structural, and molecular understandings of the role of DNA repair pathways, inducing chemo and radioresistance, and its importance as key prognostic, predictive, and therapeutic targets in cancer.

This collection will cover, but is not limited to, the following subtopics:

1. Mechanisms of chemo and radioresistance involved DNA repair pathways in Lung, Breast, Prostate, Colon, Ovarian, and Cervical cancer.
2. DNA mismatch repair pathway in cancer.
3. Base excision repair and nucleotide excision repair pathways in cancer.
4. DNA repair of Double-Strand Breaks in cancer.
5. Pharmaceuticals and natural compounds targeting DNA repair in cancer.
6. DNA repair proteins as prognostic, predictive, and therapeutic targets in cancer.

Keywords: DNA Repair, Cancer, Chemoresistance, radioresistance, DNA damage response

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