We conclude that dysregulated ATM function in B cells promotes bone erosion and the emergence of circulating CD21<sup>-/lo</sup> B cells, thereby contributing to RA pathophysiology.
ATM participates in the signaling of telomere erosion, and inherited mutations in ATM have been associated with increased risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer.
It is noteworthy that although both the Ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) and the ATM- and Rad3-related (ATR) kinases responded to the SAL-induced DNA damages, only ATR was essential for the telomere erosion.