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🔬general biology i review

Fanconi anemia

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Fanconi anemia is a rare genetic disorder characterized by increased susceptibility to cancer, particularly leukemia, and various physical abnormalities. It primarily results from mutations in genes responsible for DNA repair mechanisms, specifically those involved in the repair of interstrand cross-links in DNA. This condition highlights the critical role of DNA repair pathways in maintaining genomic stability and preventing malignancies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Fanconi anemia can manifest with symptoms like bone marrow failure, short stature, and physical deformities such as skeletal abnormalities.
  2. There are at least 22 different genes associated with Fanconi anemia, and mutations in these genes disrupt the DNA repair process.
  3. Patients with Fanconi anemia have a higher risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other cancers at an early age.
  4. Diagnosis of Fanconi anemia often involves tests like chromosome breakage studies to assess the cellular response to DNA damage.
  5. Current treatments for Fanconi anemia may include blood transfusions, stem cell transplantation, and supportive care to manage symptoms and complications.

Review Questions

  • What role do the genes associated with Fanconi anemia play in the context of DNA repair mechanisms?
    • The genes associated with Fanconi anemia encode proteins that are essential for repairing interstrand cross-links in DNA. When these genes are mutated, the efficiency of DNA repair pathways is compromised, leading to an accumulation of DNA damage. This impaired ability to fix critical DNA lesions contributes to the increased cancer risk observed in individuals with Fanconi anemia.
  • How does Fanconi anemia illustrate the relationship between genetic disorders and cancer susceptibility?
    • Fanconi anemia exemplifies how genetic disorders can directly influence an individual's risk of developing cancer. The mutations in DNA repair genes lead to genomic instability, which is a fundamental characteristic of many cancers. As cells accumulate mutations due to faulty repair mechanisms, this increases the likelihood of malignant transformations, highlighting the importance of functional DNA repair systems in cancer prevention.
  • Evaluate the implications of studying Fanconi anemia for understanding broader mechanisms of DNA repair and cancer biology.
    • Studying Fanconi anemia provides valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms of DNA repair and its critical role in maintaining genomic integrity. The disorder underscores how specific genetic defects can lead to systemic vulnerabilities, such as heightened cancer risk. This knowledge not only enhances our understanding of Fanconi anemia itself but also informs research into other cancers and genetic conditions, potentially guiding therapeutic approaches that target DNA repair pathways to prevent or treat malignancies.