Advances in DNA damage induced by environmental chemical carcinogens

Abstract

Chemical carcinogens, which are exogenous DNA-damaging agents, are ubiquitous in both the industry and living environments. The carcinogens pose a threat to the integrity of genetic information by causing diverse types of DNA damage through various pathways. Subsequently, the organism activates a DNA damage response mechanism to repair the damage caused by chemical carcinogens. However, incorrect or ineffective repair processes, along with DNA damage accumulation, may lead to genomic instability and mutations, which play a critical role in carcinogenesis. However, the types of DNA damage induced by a large variety of chemical carcinogens may vary due to the different physicochemical properties of chemicals and ultimately affect the carcinogenic process. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of DNA damage and ultimately carcinogenesis by various environmental chemical carcinogens, namely heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and aromatic amines. We also summarize the potential types of DNA damage that are closely associated with carcinogens.

Funding

the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82173483)