Research progress in DNA damage checkpoint mechanism

A damage is a general event in the life of cells and may lead to mutation, cancer, and cell/organ death. DNA damage occurring in different phases of cell cycle can activate different damage checkpoint pathways to halt the progress of cell cycle in order to provide time for DNA damage repair. If DNA damage cannot be repaired, cellular apoptosis may be induced. Therefore, DNA damage checkpoint is of great significance for cell survival after DNA damage. This article summarizes recent research on DNA damage responses, including DNA damage checkpoint, DNA damage repair, transcriptional response, and cell apoptosis. We focus on how the DNA damage checkpoint pathway is activated after DNA damage, as well as the functional mechanism of the DNA damage checkpoint pathway. The review aims to help readers understand the great significance of DNA damage checkpoint pathway, providing a theoretical basis for its application in radiotherapy and chemotherapy for cancer. Key words: DNA damage; Checkpoint pathway; Cell cycle; Signal transduction; Cell apoptosis