DNA stability defects

Abstract The human genome is exposed to DNA damage from various sources. Human cells have mechanisms for self-protection and repair of DNA damage, and maintenance of genetic stability. Predisposition to cancer and somatic mutations occur when these mechanisms are not efficient or are affected by mutations that cause the absence of proteins essential to DNA repair (Strano-Moraes et al., 2012; Nahas and Gatti, 2009). DNA stability defects compromise the balance between generation of diversity and cellular transformation, thus causing disease and immune deficiency. DNA damage also compromises essential cellular processes and leads to mutation and cell death.