ABSTRACT
DNA repair defi ciencies are well-known and signifi cant risk factors for a variety of cancers, neurodegeneration and premature aging. Cells have numerous DNA repair pathways, and each system preferentially repairs a particular set of lesions. DNA repair mechanisms must balance the need to minimize mutations in somatic cells, with the need to allow for suffi cient genetic diversity in germ line cells to permit organisms to evolve and thrive under pressure from diverse environmental challenges. This Chapter briefl y describes the repertoire of DNA repair pathways in human cells, with particular attention to heritable defects in DNA repair functions that lead to cancer predisposition.
