Genomic Instability and Cancer: Insights into DNA Repair Pathway Dysregulation

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 1662

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
Interests: cancer biology; translational medicine; gynecology; cancer therapeutics; cancer biomarkers; cell biology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Genomic instability, characterized by an increased number of alterations in the genome, is a hallmark of cancer and a driving force behind tumorigenesis. The intricate balance between DNA damage and repair mechanisms is paramount for maintaining genomic integrity. Hence, the dysregulation of this delicate equilibrium can lead to the accumulation of genetic aberrations, fostering the development and progression of various cancers. Although cancer-driving mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the Achilles heels of cancer cells, some are vulnerable to inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), an exciting class of drugs that have transformed the clinical management of some cancers.

Current research efforts have unveiled the profound impact of DNA repair dysregulation on genomic stability and its consequences for cancer cells. Studies exploring the molecular intricacies of DNA repair pathways, such as homologous recombination, base excision repair, and mismatch repair, have shed light on how alterations in these processes contribute to the acquisition of somatic mutations and chromosomal aberrations observed in cancer genomes.

This Special Issue of the journal Biology aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on genomic instability in cancer, emphasizing the molecular insights into DNA repair dysregulation. Through a collection of cutting-edge articles, we will explore the multifaceted roles of DNA repair pathways in cancer initiation and progression.

In this Special Issue, we invite fellow researchers to contribute their latest research findings, theories, and experimental approaches to enhance our understanding of genomic instability and propel the field towards transformative therapeutic breakthroughs. Original research articles and reviews are welcome, and we look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Xiangbing Meng
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • homologous recombination
  • base excision repair
  • mismatch repair
  • somatic mutations
  • chromosomal aberrations
  • BRCA1
  • BRCA2
  • poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)
  • cancer initiation

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

20 pages, 3089 KiB  
Review
Overview of Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway and DNA Damage/Repair in Cancer
by Silvina B. Nadin, F. Darío Cuello-Carrión, Niubys Cayado-Gutiérrez and Mariel A. Fanelli
Biology 2025, 14(2), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14020185 - 11 Feb 2025
Viewed by 940
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway takes part in important cellular processes in tumor cells, such as gene expression, adhesion, and survival. The canonical pathway is activated in several tumors, and β-catenin is its major effector. The union of Wnt to the co-receptor complex causes the [...] Read more.
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway takes part in important cellular processes in tumor cells, such as gene expression, adhesion, and survival. The canonical pathway is activated in several tumors, and β-catenin is its major effector. The union of Wnt to the co-receptor complex causes the inhibition of GSK3β activity, thus preventing the phosphorylation and degradation of β-catenin, which accumulates in the cytoplasm, to subsequently be transported to the nucleus to associate with transcription factors. The relationship between Wnt/β-catenin and DNA damage/repair mechanisms has been a focus for the last few years. Studying the Wnt/β-catenin network interactions with DNA damage/repair proteins has become a successful research field. This review provides an overview of the participation of Wnt/β-catenin in DNA damage/repair mechanisms and their future implications as targets for cancer therapy. Full article
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