Mismatch Repair Deficiency (dMMR)

Term: Mismatch Repair Deficiency (dMMR)Definition: A condition where cells are unable to correct errors that occur during DNA replication, increasing the risk of developing certain cancers.Phonetic Pronunciation: (di-EM-AR)Origin: The term "mismatch repair" derives from the biological process it describes. "Mismatch" comes from the English word for an incorrect pairing, while "repair" comes from the Latin "reparare," meaning to restore. The abbreviation "dMMR" stands for "deficient Mismatch Repair," highlighting the failure of this crucial cellular function.Significance in Asbestos Context: Mismatch repair deficiency can be relevant in asbestos-related cases because asbestos exposure is linked to genetic damage, which may be exacerbated by deficiencies in DNA repair mechanisms like MMR. Understanding dMMR can help in assessing the genetic predispositions and potential increased cancer risks in individuals exposed to asbestos.Example Sentence: "The patient's diagnosis of lung cancer following asbestos exposure was complicated by a concurrent mismatch repair deficiency, which may have increased their susceptibility to the disease."Related Terms: DNA repair, genetic predisposition, cancer risk, asbestos exposure, oncogenesis.Notes: - dMMR is not directly caused by asbestos but can influence the body's response to asbestos-induced damage. - Genetic testing may be recommended for individuals with a history of asbestos exposure to assess for dMMR and other genetic risks.