DNA Repair Enzymes as Therapeutic Agents: a Review

Abstract

DNA damage is long recognized factor for development and progression of cancer in humans. Genome instability is the leading factor behind development of cancer. There are some DNA repair pathways and DNA damage checkpoints present in all creatures, without them the functional stability gets compromised. Impaired DNA repair results in genomic instability leading to development of cancer, limited lifespan, early ageing. UV rays and Ionizing radiations are the major exogenous forces responsible for DNA damage, causing lesions in DNA. These lesions are cause of photoageing. Protection administered by conventional sunscreen is merely prophylactic if lesions have already occurred. There is an increasing demand for such product which can reverse or delay the effects of photoageing thus the protection offered by conventional sunscreen can be improved. This review focuses on recent developments on involvement of various DNA repair enzymes in treatment of cancer as well as in skincare products such as sunscreen.