摘要
DNA is the genetic material that contains the 'instructions' to not only guide the continuation of life but also govern the development, metabolism and functioning of living organisms. DNA damage occurs daily due to various exogenous (environ-
DNA is the genetic material that contains the ＂instructions＂ to not only guide the continuation of life but also govern the development, metabolism and functioning of living organisms. DNA damage occurs daily due to various exogenous （environ- mental） genotoxic agents and normal metabolic processes within cells. Even under normal growth and metabolic conditions, DNA damage occurs at a rate of approximately 10000 lesions per cell per hour in mammalian cells. DNA damage that is not properly and promptly repaired can lead to genomic instability, an increased likelihood of gene mutation or even cell death. Ceils cannot function normally if DNA damage corrupts the integrity and accessibility of the essential information in the ge- nome, which in turn has a harmful effect on health, such as carcinogenesis, tissue-degeneration or functional failure and ac- celerated aging. In this special topic, Chinese Science Bulletin presents a series of research articles and reviews covering some of the critical aspects of the molecular mechanisms of DNA damage signaling, repair and cellular resnonses.
