Gene APEX1
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Also known as
APE, APE1, HAP1, REF1, APENOverview
APEX1 (Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endodeoxyribonuclease 1) encodes a multifunctional protein that plays a central role in DNA base excision repair (BER), the primary pathway for correcting oxidative DNA damage. APE1 cleaves the DNA backbone at abasic sites, creating a substrate for DNA polymerase to insert the correct nucleotide.Beyond its DNA repair function, APEX1 also acts as a redox factor (Ref-1) that regulates the DNA-binding activity of several transcription factors including AP-1, NF-κB, p53, and HIF-1α. This dual role makes APEX1 critical for both maintaining genomic stability and controlling cellular responses to oxidative stress and hypoxia.
Genetic variants in APEX1 have been associated with cancer risk, particularly when combined with environmental exposures that cause oxidative DNA damage. The gene has also been linked to sensitivity to certain chemotherapeutic agents. Understanding your APEX1 status may provide insights into your DNA repair capacity and oxidative stress response.