DNA replication fidelity and cancer

Semin Cancer Biol. 2010 Oct;20(5):281-93. doi: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2010.10.009. Epub 2010 Oct 15.

Abstract

Cancer is fueled by mutations and driven by adaptive selection. Normal cells avoid deleterious mutations by replicating their genomes with extraordinary accuracy. Here we review the pathways governing DNA replication fidelity and discuss evidence implicating replication errors (point mutation instability or PIN) in carcinogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromosome Aberrations*
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Mismatch Repair
  • DNA Repair / genetics*
  • DNA Replication / genetics*
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / genetics
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / metabolism
  • Gene Rearrangement
  • Humans
  • Microsatellite Instability
  • Mutation*
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Point Mutation

Substances

  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase