AARD
Description
The Aard gene, also known as RAD51D, plays a vital role in homologous recombination (HR), a crucial DNA repair mechanism that safeguards genetic integrity. HR repairs double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA, which are highly damaging and can lead to genomic instability and cancer. The Aard gene encodes a protein that participates in the strand invasion step of HR, where a homologous DNA strand is used as a template to repair the damaged strand. This process ensures accurate DNA replication and prevents the accumulation of mutations that can drive tumorigenesis.
Associated Diseases
Did you know?
Mutations in the Aard gene are associated with increased risk of certain cancers, highlighting its importance in maintaining genomic stability.