Focal Point of Fanconi Anemia Signaling

Among human genetic diseases, Fanconi Anemia (FA) tops all with its largest number of health complications in nearly all human organ systems, suggesting the significant roles played by FA genes in the maintenance of human health. With the accumulated research on FA, the encoded protein products by FA genes have been building up to the biggest cell defense signaling network, composed of not only 22+ FA proteins but also ATM, ATR, and many other non-FA proteins. The FA D2 group protein (FANCD2) and its paralog form the focal point of FA signaling to converge the effects of its upstream players in response to a variety of cellular insults and simultaneously with downstream players to protect humans from contracting diseases, including aging and cancer. In this review, we update and discuss how the FA signaling crucially eases cellular stresses through understanding its focal point.

Automated summary

Fanconi Anemia (FA) is a genetic disease with the largest number of health complications in human organ systems, highlighting the important roles played by FA genes in maintaining human health. The FA signaling network, comprised of FA proteins and other non-FA proteins, is crucial for easing cellular stresses and protecting humans from diseases such as aging and cancer, with the FA D2 group protein (FANCD2) serving as the focal point of FA signaling.