The 13th Fanconi anemia gene identified: FANCI - Importance of the 'Fanconi anemia pathway' for cellular oncology. Cellular Oncology

摘要

After quite some scientific debate over the last decade, it has become evident that chromosomal instability is a major driving force in the pathogenesis of the vast majority of human cancers [1-3]. In addition, different patterns of chromosomal instability appear to have different clinical implications . Yet, unlike for the less common form of genomic instability caused by failing DNA mismatch repair leading to mi-crosatellite instability, the mechanisms leading to chromosomal instability are only beginning to be explored in appreciable detail. Chromosomal instability actually encompasses multiple biological types of chromosomal alterations giving rise to different biological and clinical phenotypes. In this respect, important lessons can be learned by studying genetic diseases characterized by chromosomal instability, like Fanconi anemia (FA). In the present issue of Cellular Oncology, a consortium lead by Dr. Joenje reports identification of the thirteenth FA gene, FANCI, a milestone in this field ofresearch, accomplished by a group that has been critically involved in already 10 previous FA gene discoveries.