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Consequences of Unfixed DNA Harm DNA is the important repository of hereditary information in living creatures, and its honesty is significant for cell capacity and wellbeing. Failure to repair DNA can result in a host of negative downstream consequences at both the cellular and organism level.
Impact on Genetic Stability
If this is not repaired, DNA damage of this nature can cause mutations (changes in the DNA sequence). These mutations can disturb the natural function of genes which, in final terms; may truly lead to cancer and other genetic disorders. For example those with xeroderma pigmentosum, which arises from deficiencies in the nucleotide excision repair mechanisms — and so have a higher risk of skin cancers due to UV damage12. Furthermore, these mutations can accrue through the generations, and so are responsible for heritable disease as well as increasing susceptibility to many types of cancer3.
Cellular Consequences
Cells possessing irreversible DNA damage may enter apoptosis (programmed cell death) or senescence (an indefinitely stable nonproliferative state). It is the way of body-response in order to safeguard a multiplication of faulty genetic message. But too much cell death can result in tissue degeneration and disease states of aging 24. In addition, unrepaired double-strand breaks can lead to chromosomal rearrangements, a hallmark of tumorigenesis 5.
Broader Health Implications
The ramifications of faulty DNA repair reach far beyond that of cancer. It has been shown that the lack of DNA repair in aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer´s and Parkinson´s, leads to excessive formation of DNA lesions in neuronal cells resulting in a progressive degeneration (36). Also, premature aging syndromes are diseases that arise from mutations in genes of the DNA repair pathways and additionally emphasize the importance of these processes for maintaining health across multiple organ systems4.
It is clear the inability to repair DNA damage have serious potential consequences ranging from genetic instability, an increased likelihood of cancer, cellular senescence and aging to functional health issues. Therapeutic strategies that act to stimulate DNA repair pathways and reduce disease risk thus require an understanding of these modes of action.
