DNAdamaging

DNAdamaging refers to the property or action of causing damage to DNA. In biology and medicine, the term is used to describe processes or substances that introduce lesions into the DNA molecule, including base alterations, abasic sites, single-strand breaks, double-strand breaks, and crosslinks. DNA damage can activate cellular signaling known as the DNA damage response, which coordinates repair, cell cycle progression, and other outcomes.

Common sources of DNA damage include ionizing radiation (such as X-rays and gamma rays), ultraviolet light, chemical mutagens and crosslinkers, reactive oxygen species produced during metabolism, and replication stress. Endogenous processes, including spontaneous hydrolysis or errors during DNA replication, also contribute to damage.

The consequences of DNA damage depend on the severity and the cell’s ability to repair it. If damage is not properly repaired, it can lead to mutations, chromosomal rearrangements, or cell death. In multicellular organisms, accumulated DNA damage is associated with aging and cancer. Cells deploy repair pathways such as base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, mismatch repair, and double-strand break repair by homologous recombination or non-homologous end joining to restore genomic integrity.

DNAdamaging is a central concept in toxicology, radiobiology, pharmacology, and cancer research. Researchers measure DNA damage using assays such as the comet assay, γ-H2AX foci formation, or micronucleus tests to assess genotoxicity and the efficacy of DNA repair mechanisms or DNA-damaging therapies.