DNA repair, genome stability and cancer: a historical perspective

PA Jeggo, LH Pearl, AM Carr - Nature Reviews Cancer, 2016 - nature.com
PA Jeggo, LH Pearl, AM Carr
Nature Reviews Cancer, 2016nature.com
The multistep process of cancer progresses over many years. The prevention of mutations
by DNA repair pathways led to an early appreciation of a role for repair in cancer avoidance.
However, the broader role of the DNA damage response (DDR) emerged more slowly. In
this Timeline article, we reflect on how our understanding of the steps leading to cancer
developed, focusing on the role of the DDR. We also consider how our current knowledge
can be exploited for cancer therapy.
Abstract
The multistep process of cancer progresses over many years. The prevention of mutations by DNA repair pathways led to an early appreciation of a role for repair in cancer avoidance. However, the broader role of the DNA damage response (DDR) emerged more slowly. In this Timeline article, we reflect on how our understanding of the steps leading to cancer developed, focusing on the role of the DDR. We also consider how our current knowledge can be exploited for cancer therapy.
nature.com