Advances in DNA damage repair mechanisms in stem cells and their applications

Stem cells play a critical role in tissue regeneration and the maintenance of homeostasis. Due to their high replicative potential, stem cells face an elevated risk of DNA damage during DNA replication. Consequently, efficient DNA damage repair (DDR) mechanisms are essential for preserving the genomic stability and functionality of stem cells. This review summarizes the main DNA damage repair mechanisms, examines the characteristics of these DDR pathways in different stem cell types (highlighting their specific features and key molecules), and discusses the clinical significance and applications of stem cell DDR research. Furthermore, we identify current research limitations and propose potential future research directions. Collectively, this review provides a comprehensive perspective on DDR mechanisms in stem cells, laying a foundation for future investigations and potential clinical applications.