Mutation Signatures

Mutation signatures are patterns of DNA changes that reveal how cells have been damaged or how they have evolved over time. Think of them as fingerprints for mutations, showing specific types and contexts of genetic alterations caused by different factors likeUV radiation, smoking, or aging. Scientists analyze these patterns to understand the underlying causes of mutations in diseases like cancer, helping to identify exposure sources or biological processes involved. Essentially, mutation signatures serve as clues to trace the history and origins of genetic changes within cells.