Current Issues in DNA Damage and DNA Repair

Dear Colleagues,

Genomic instability is a hallmark of cancer, resulting from the accumulation of DNA lesions caused by exogenous factors such as UV or ionizing radiation and chemical agents and endogenous processes including oxidative stress and inflammation. Human cells experience thousands of DNA lesions daily, including base modifications, mismatches, crosslinks, and single- or double-strand breaks. To maintain genome integrity, cells rely on coordinated DNA damage response (DDR) and DNA repair pathways. Dysfunction of these mechanisms promotes cancer development, drives tumor evolution, and increases heterogeneity.

Targeting DNA repair has transformed cancer therapy. Strategies include PARP, ATR/CHK1, and DNA-PK inhibitors, synthetic lethality approaches, and combination therapies with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Understanding DDR dysregulation is essential for precision oncology and overcoming resistance.

This Special Issue seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge in DNA repair, genome stability, and their implications in cancer. We welcome original research and review articles addressing the following topics:

• Molecular mechanisms of DNA damage response (DDR) and DNA repair;
• Biological consequences of impaired genome maintenance;
• DNA repair as a hallmark of cancer and its role in tumorigenesis;
• Interplay between metabolism, immune system, and DNA repair;
• Preclinical and translational studies targeting DDR pathways;
• Synthetic lethality and other therapeutic strategies exploiting DNA repair defects.

Dr. Silvina B. Nadin
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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