DSBs

DSBs is the acronym for "DNA double-strand breaks". DNA double-strand breaks occur when the phosphodiester bonds on both strands of the DNA double helix are broken. Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) appears to be the major mechanism for repairing DSBs in mammalian cells. This pathway does not require homology and can directly reconnect "rejoin broken" DNA ends end-to-end. It is likely that repair of DSBs via NHEJ proceeds in three steps: end-binding and bridging, terminal processing, and ligation (Pastwa E et al. 2003).

1. Pastwa E et al (2003) Non-homologous DNA end joining. Acta biochimica Polonica 50:891-908