Epigenetic orchestration of the DNA damage response: Insights into the regulatory mechanisms.

The DNA damage response (DDR) is a critical cellular mechanism that safeguards genome integrity and prevents the accumulation of harmful DNA lesions. Increasing evidence highlights the intersection between DDR signaling and epigenetic regulation, offering profound insights into various aspects of cellular function including oncogenesis. This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between the epigenetic modifications and DDR activation, with a specific focus on the impact of viral infections. Oncogenic viruses, such as human papillomavirus, hepatitis virus (HBV or HCV), and Epstein-Barr virus have been shown to activate the DDR. Consequently, these DNA damage events trigger a cascade of epigenetic alterations, including changes in DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications and the expression of noncoding RNAs. These epigenetic changes exert profound effects on chromatin structure, gene expression, and maintenance of genome stability. Importantly, elucidation of the viral-induced epigenetic alterations in the context of DDR holds significant implications for comprehending the complexity of cancer and provides potential targets for therapeutic interventions.