Interface of DNA Repair and Metabolism

Abstract

DNA is naturally very unstable and several agents are capable of damaging and altering its structure, thus leading to several negative consequences. Therefore, this review seeks to better understand the relationship between different DNA repair mechanisms and metabolic pathways, and how such a relationship can influence the outcome of different human inflammatory diseases. Studies have shown that factors involved in DNA repair are also involved in the regulation of cellular metabolism in response to DNA damage. Indeed, it was demonstrated that cells deficient in DNA repair have abrupt rewiring of cell metabolism. Additionally, oxidative stress observed in several human disorders increase DNA damage that contributes in metabolic changes and diseases progression. DNA molecule is daily exposed to several types of damages and, in mammal cells, the DNA damage response (DDR) is responsible to monitor and repair genotoxic stress. The activation of DDR mostly depends on the DNA damage type and involves the activation of sensors, transducers, and effector proteins. The effector protein pathways are closely linked to several cell biology processes, such as apoptosis, senescence, cell cycle control, inflammatory response, and gene transcriptions. Recently, it was demonstrated that DDR genes are involved in cell metabolism and contribute to DNA repair and cell survival. Understanding as DNA damage impacts in cell function is important to comprehend and treat several human inflammatory diseases.