Oocytes can efficiently repair DNA double-strand breaks to restore genetic integrity and protect offspring health

Significance An adequate supply of healthy oocytes is essential for female fertility. Oocytes that sustain even very low levels of DNA damage are killed, presumably because the damage is irreparable. Surprisingly, however, we show that when apoptosis is inhibited, oocytes can repair severe DNA damage via homologous recombination repair. The repair is highly efficient; it protects fertility and ensures the health and genetic integrity of offspring. These data implicate DNA repair as an additional quality control mechanism available within the female germ line.