DNA的双链断裂是由遗传毒性应激引起的，是DNA损伤最严重的损伤之一。该基因编码非同源末端连接途径所必需的dna修复因子，该因子优先介导双链断裂的修复。这种基因的突变会导致不同类型的严重联合免疫缺陷疾病。[由RefSeq提供，2008年7月]
Double-strand breaks in DNA result from genotoxic stresses and are among the most damaging of DNA lesions. This gene encodes a DNA repair factor essential for the nonhomologous end-joining pathway, which preferentially mediates repair of double-stranded breaks. Mutations in this gene cause different kinds of severe combined immunodeficiency disorders. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]