Cells have evolved complex mechanisms to respond to DSBs. The primary response is the activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway, which involves a series of signaling cascades that halt the cell cycle and initiate DNA repair. Key proteins involved in DDR include ATM and ATR kinases, which phosphorylate various substrates to orchestrate the repair process. If repair is not possible, the cell may undergo apoptosis to prevent the propagation of damaged DNA.
