Microsatellite instability refers to the phenomenon where repetitive sequences of DNA, known as microsatellites, exhibit variations in length due to errors in DNA mismatch repair. This instability can lead to genomic alterations that contribute to cancer development, particularly in certain types of tumors. Understanding microsatellite instability is crucial because it links genomic instability with the mechanisms of radiation carcinogenesis, revealing how radiation can induce mutations that lead to cancer progression.
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