The genetic and molecular basis of Fanconi anemia.
The capacity to maintain genomic integrity is shared by all living organisms. Multiple pathways are distinguished that safeguard genomic stability, most of which have originated in primitive life forms. In human individuals, defects in these pathways are typically associated with cancer proneness. The Fanconi anemia pathway, one of these pathways, has evolved relatively late during evolution and exists - in its fully developed form - only in vertebrates. This pathway, in which thus far 13 distinct proteins have been shown to participate, appears essential for error-free DNA replication. Inactivating mutations in the corresponding genes underlie the recessive disease Fanconi anemia (FA). In the last decade the genetic basis of this disorder has been uncovered by a variety of approaches, including complementation cloning, genetic linkage analysis and protein association studies. Here we review these approaches, introduce the encoded proteins, and discuss their possible role in ensuring genomic integrity.
de Winter
Johan P
JP
Department of Clinical Genetics, Section Oncogenetics, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, Amsterdam 1081 BT, The Netherlands. j.dewinter@vumc.nl
Joenje
Hans
H
D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000494:pharmacology; D004260:DNA Repair; D005199:Fanconi Anemia / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D000076164:Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group N Protein; D051856:Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D005816:Genetic Complementation Test; D055106:Genome-Wide Association Study; D006801:Humans; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins / Q000378:metabolism
D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D000076164:Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group N Protein; D051856:Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; C512790:PALB2 protein, human; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins