Abstract
Hyperthermia is widely used to treat patients with various types of cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in heat-induced cell killing are not yet fully understood. Although protein denaturation is known to be a major type of damage caused by heat treatment, recent work has revealed that DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) play important roles in heat-induced cell killing. The aim of this review is to specifically examine the formation and repair of DSBs and their role in heat sensitivity and thermotolerance.
