A 20-year perspective on the International Fanconi Anemia Registry (IFAR)

Blood ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 101 (4) ◽  
pp. 1249-1256 ◽  
Author(s):  
David I. Kutler ◽  
Bhuvanesh Singh ◽  
Jaya Satagopan ◽  
Sat Dev Batish ◽  
Marianne Berwick ◽  
...  

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cellular hypersensitivity to DNA cross-linking agents and cancer predisposition. Recent evidence for the interactions of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated protein ATM and breast cancer susceptibility proteins BRCA1 and BRCA2 (identified as FANCD1) with other known FA proteins suggests that FA proteins have a significant role in DNA repair/recombination and cell cycle control. The International Fanconi Anemia Registry (IFAR), a prospectively collected database of FA patients, allows us the unique opportunity to analyze the natural history of this rare, clinically heterogeneous disorder in a large number of patients. Of the 754 subjects in this study, 601 (80%) experienced the onset of bone marrow failure (BMF), and 173 (23%) had a total of 199 neoplasms. Of these neoplasms, 120 (60%) were hematologic and 79 (40%) were nonhematologic. The risk of developing BMF and hematologic and nonhematologic neoplasms increased with advancing age with a 90%, 33%, and 28% cumulative incidence, respectively, by 40 years of age. Univariate analysis revealed a significantly earlier onset of BMF and poorer survival for complementation group C compared with groups A and G; however, there was no significant difference in the time to hematologic or nonhematologic neoplasm development between these groups. Multivariate analysis of overall survival time shows that FANCCmutations (P = .007) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (P = < .0001) define a poor-risk subgroup. The results of this study of patients registered in the IFAR over a 20-year period provide information that will enable better prediction of outcome and aid clinicians with decisions regarding major therapeutic modalities.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 457-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshi Niraj ◽  
Anniina Färkkilä ◽  
Alan D. D'Andrea

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a complex genetic disorder characterized by bone marrow failure (BMF), congenital defects, inability to repair DNA interstrand cross-links (ICLs), and cancer predisposition. FA presents two seemingly opposite characteristics: ( a) massive cell death of the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) compartment due to extensive genomic instability, leading to BMF, and ( b) uncontrolled cell proliferation leading to FA-associated malignancies. The canonical function of the FA proteins is to collaborate with several other DNA repair proteins to eliminate clastogenic (chromosome-breaking) effects of DNA ICLs. Recent discoveries reveal that the FA pathway functions in a critical tumor-suppressor network to preserve genomic integrity by stabilizing replication forks, mitigating replication stress, and regulating cytokinesis. Homozygous germline mutations (biallelic) in 22 FANC genes cause FA, whereas heterozygous germline mutations in some of the FANC genes (monoallelic), such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, do not cause FA but significantly increase cancer susceptibility sporadically in the general population. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the functions of the FA pathway in the maintenance of genomic stability, and we present an overview of the prevalence and clinical relevance of somatic mutations in FA genes.


Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 105 (3) ◽  
pp. 1329-1336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Soulier ◽  
Thierry Leblanc ◽  
Jérôme Larghero ◽  
Hélène Dastot ◽  
Akiko Shimamura ◽  
...  

AbstractFanconi anemia (FA) is characterized by congenital abnormalities, bone marrow failure, chromosome fragility, and cancer susceptibility. Eight FA-associated genes have been identified so far, the products of which function in the FA/BRCA pathway. A key event in the pathway is the monoubiquitination of the FANCD2 protein, which depends on a multiprotein FA core complex. In a number of patients, spontaneous genetic reversion can correct FA mutations, leading to somatic mosaicism. We analyzed the FA/BRCA pathway in 53 FA patients by FANCD2 immunoblots and chromosome breakage tests. Strikingly, FANCD2 monoubiquitination was detected in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) in 8 (15%) patients. FA reversion was further shown in these patients by comparison of primary fibro-blasts and PBLs. Reversion was associated with higher blood counts and clinical stability or improvement. Once constitutional FANCD2 patterns were determined, patients could be classified based on the level of FA/BRCA pathway disruption, as “FA core” (upstream inactivation; n = 47, 89%), FA-D2 (n = 4, 8%), and an unidentified downstream group (n = 2, 4%). FA-D2 and unidentified group patients were therefore relatively common, and they had more severe congenital phenotypes. These results show that specific analysis of the FA/BRCA pathway, combined with clinical and chromosome breakage data, allows a comprehensive characterization of FA patients.


Blood ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 102 (6) ◽  
pp. 2081-2084 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaxin Li ◽  
P. Artur Plett ◽  
Yanzhu Yang ◽  
Ping Hong ◽  
Brian Freie ◽  
...  

Abstract The pathogenesis of bone marrow failure in Fanconi anemia is poorly understood. Suggested mechanisms include enhanced apoptosis secondary to DNA damage and altered inhibitory cytokine signaling. Recent data determined that disrupted cell cycle control of hematopoietic stem and/or progenitor cells disrupts normal hematopoiesis with increased hematopoietic stem cell cycling resulting in diminished function and increased sensitivity to cell cycle–specific apoptotic stimuli. Here, we used Fanconi anemia complementation type C–deficient (Fancc–/–) mice to demonstrate that Fancc–/– phenotypically defined cell populations enriched for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells exhibit increased cycling. In addition, we established that the defect in cell cycle regulation is not a compensatory mechanism from enhanced apoptosis occurring in vivo. Collectively, these data provide a previously unrecognized phenotype in Fancc–/– hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, which may contribute to the progressive bone marrow failure in Fanconi anemia.


2003 ◽  
Vol 23 (15) ◽  
pp. 5421-5430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuhiko Yamamoto ◽  
Masamichi Ishiai ◽  
Nobuko Matsushita ◽  
Hiroshi Arakawa ◽  
Jane E. Lamerdin ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The rare hereditary disorder Fanconi anemia (FA) is characterized by progressive bone marrow failure, congenital skeletal abnormality, elevated susceptibility to cancer, and cellular hypersensitivity to DNA cross-linking chemicals and sometimes other DNA-damaging agents. Molecular cloning identified six causative genes (FANCA, -C, -D2, -E, -F, and -G) encoding a multiprotein complex whose precise biochemical function remains elusive. Recent studies implicate this complex in DNA damage responses that are linked to the breast cancer susceptibility proteins BRCA1 and BRCA2. Mutations in BRCA2, which participates in homologous recombination (HR), are the underlying cause in some FA patients. To elucidate the roles of FA genes in HR, we disrupted the FANCG/XRCC9 locus in the chicken B-cell line DT40. FANCG-deficient DT40 cells resemble mammalian fancg mutants in that they are sensitive to killing by cisplatin and mitomycin C (MMC) and exhibit increased MMC and radiation-induced chromosome breakage. We find that the repair of I-SceI-induced chromosomal double-strand breaks (DSBs) by HR is decreased ∼9-fold in fancg cells compared with the parental and FANCG-complemented cells. In addition, the efficiency of gene targeting is mildly decreased in FANCG-deficient cells, but depends on the specific locus. We conclude that FANCG is required for efficient HR-mediated repair of at least some types of DSBs.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daijing Nie ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Lili Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Fanconi anemia (FA) is the most common inherited bone marrow failure (BMF) syndrome with 22 related genes identified. The ALDH2 rs671variant has been proved related to accelerate the progression of BMF in FA patients. The phenotype and genetic basis of Chinese FA patients have not been investigated yet. Methods: We analyzed the 22 FA-related genes of 63 BMF patients suspected to be FA.Clinical manifestations, morphological and cytogenetic feathers, ALDH2 genotypes, treatment, and outcomes of the definite cases were retrospectively studied. Results: A total of 21 patients were confirmed the diagnosis of FA with the median age of BMF onset was 4-year-old. The number of patients manifested as congenital malformations and growth retardation were 20/21 and 14/21, respectively. BM dysplasia and cytogenetic abnormalities were found in 13/20 and 8/19 patients. All the patients with abnormal karyotypes also manifested as BM dysplasia or had evident blasts. Thirty-five different mutations were identified involving six genes and including twenty novel mutations. FANCA mutations contributed to 66.67% of cases. Eight patients harboring ALDH2 -G/A genotype have a significantly younger age of BMF onset ( p =0.025). Within the 19 patients adhering to continuous follow-up, 15 patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCTs). During the 29 months of follow-up, 8/19 patients died, seven of which were HSCT-related, and one patient who did not receive HSCT died from severe infection. Conclusion: The phenotypic and genetic spectrum of Chinese FA patients is broad. Bone marrow dysplasia and cytogenetic abnormalities are prevalent and highly consistent. The overall outcome of HSCTs is disappointing. Nationwide multicenter studies are needed for the rarity and adverse outcome of this disease.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daijing Nie ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Lili Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Fanconi anemia (FA) is the most common inherited bone marrow failure (BMF) syndrome with 22 related genes identified. The ALDH2 rs671variant has been proved related to accelerate the progression of BMF in FA patients. The phenotype and genetic basis of Chinese FA patients have not been investigated yet. Methods: We analyzed the 22 FA-related genes of 63 BMF patients suspected to be FA.Clinical manifestations, morphological and cytogenetic feathers, ALDH2 genotypes, treatment, and outcomes of the definite cases were retrospectively studied. Results: A total of 21 patients were confirmed the diagnosis of FA with the median age of BMF onset was 4-year-old. The number of patients manifested as congenital malformations and growth retardation were 20/21 and 14/21, respectively. BM dysplasia and cytogenetic abnormalities were found in 13/20 and 8/19 patients. All the patients with abnormal karyotypes also manifested as BM dysplasia or had evident blasts. Thirty-five different mutations were identified involving six genes and including twenty novel mutations. FANCA mutations contributed to 66.67% of cases. Eight patients harboring ALDH2 -G/A genotype have a significantly younger age of BMF onset ( p =0.025). Within the 19 patients adhering to continuous follow-up, 15 patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCTs). During the 29 months of follow-up, 8/19 patients died, seven of which were HSCT-related, and one patient who did not receive HSCT died from severe infection. Conclusion: The phenotypic and genetic spectrum of Chinese FA patients is broad. Bone marrow dysplasia and cytogenetic abnormalities are prevalent and highly consistent. The overall outcome of HSCTs is disappointing. Nationwide multicenter studies are needed for the rarity and adverse outcome of this disease.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daijing Nie ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Lili Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Fanconi anemia (FA) is the most common inherited bone marrow failure (BMF) syndrome with 22 related genes identified. The ALDH2 rs671variant has been proved related to accelerate the progression of BMF in FA patients. The phenotype and genetic basis of Chinese FA patients have not been investigated yet.Methods: We analyzed the 22 FA-related genes of 63 BMF patients suspected to be FA. Clinical manifestations, morphological and cytogenetic feathers, ALDH2 genotypes, treatment, and outcomes of the definite cases were retrospectively studied.Results: A total of 21 patients were confirmed the diagnosis of FA with the median age of BMF onset was 4-year-old. The number of patients manifested as congenital malformations and growth retardation were 20/21 and 14/21, respectively. BM dysplasia and cytogenetic abnormalities were found in 13/20 and 8/19 patients. All the patients with abnormal karyotypes also manifested as BM dysplasia or had evident blasts. Thirty-five different mutations were identified involving six genes and including twenty novel mutations. FANCA mutations contributed to 66.67% of cases. Eight patients harboring ALDH2-G/A genotype have a significantly younger age of BMF onset (p=0.025). Within the 19 patients adhering to continuous follow-up, 15 patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCTs). During the 29 months of follow-up, 8/19 patients died, seven of which were HSCT-related, and one patient who did not receive HSCT died from severe infection.Conclusions: The phenotypic and genetic spectrum of Chinese FA patients is broad. Bone marrow dysplasia and cytogenetic abnormalities are prevalent and highly consistent. The overall outcome of HSCTs is disappointing. Nationwide multicenter studies are needed for the rarity and adverse outcome of this disease.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daijing Nie ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Lili Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Fanconi anemia (FA) is the most common inherited bone marrow failure (BMF) syndrome with 22 related genes identified. The ALDH2 rs671variant has been proved related to accelerated progression of BMF in FA patients. The phenotype and genetic basis of Chinese FA patients have not been investigated yet.Methods We analyzed the 22 FA-related genes of 63 BMF patients suspected to be FA. Clinical manifestations, morphological and cytogenetic feathers, ALDH2 genotypes, treatment, and outcomes of the definite cases were retrospectively studied.Results 24 patients were confirmed the diagnosis of FA. The median age of BMF onset was 4.5-year old. The number of patients manifested as congenital malformations and growth retardation were 21/24 and 14/24, respectively. BM dysplasia and cytogenetic abnormalities were found in 15/23 and 10/22 patients. All the patients with abnormal karyotype also manifested as BM dysplasia or had evident blasts. Thirty-nine different variants were identified involving seven genes and including twenty-one novel variants. FANCA variants contributed to 58.33% of cases. Ten patients carried ALDH2 -G/A genotype with a significantly younger age of BMF onset ( p =0.024). Within the 22 patients adhering to continuous follow-up, 18 patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCTs). During the 33.5 months of follow-up, 8/22 patients died, seven of which were HSCT-related, and one patient who didn’t receive HSCT died from severe infection.Conclusion The phenotypic and genetic spectrum of Chinese FA patients is broad. Bone marrow dysplasia and cytogenetic abnormalities are prevalent and highly consistent. The overall outcome of HSCTs is disappointing. Nationwide multicenter studies are needed for the rarity and adverse outcome of this disease.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daijing Nie ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Lili Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Fanconi anemia (FA) is the most common inherited bone marrow failure (BMF) syndrome with 22 related genes identified. The ALDH2 rs671variant has been proved related to accelerate the progression of BMF in FA patients. The phenotype and genetic basis of Chinese FA patients have not been investigated yet. Methods: We analyzed the 22 FA-related genes of 63 BMF patients suspected to be FA.Clinical manifestations, morphological and cytogenetic feathers, ALDH2 genotypes, treatment, and outcomes of the definite cases were retrospectively studied. Results: A total of 21 patients were confirmed the diagnosis of FA with the median age of BMF onset was 4-year-old. The number of patients manifested as congenital malformations and growth retardation were 20/21 and 14/21, respectively. BM dysplasia and cytogenetic abnormalities were found in 13/20 and 8/19 patients. All the patients with abnormal karyotypes also manifested as BM dysplasia or had evident blasts. Thirty-five different mutations were identified involving six genes and including twenty novel mutations. FANCA mutations contributed to 66.67% of cases. Eight patients harboring ALDH2 -G/A genotype have a significantly younger age of BMF onset ( p =0.025). Within the 19 patients adhering to continuous follow-up, 15 patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCTs). During the 29 months of follow-up, 8/19 patients died, seven of which were HSCT-related, and one patient who did not receive HSCT died from severe infection. Conclusion: The phenotypic and genetic spectrum of Chinese FA patients is broad. Bone marrow dysplasia and cytogenetic abnormalities are prevalent and highly consistent. The overall outcome of HSCTs is disappointing. Nationwide multicenter studies are needed for the rarity and adverse outcome of this disease.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daijing Nie ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Lili Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Fanconi anemia (FA) is the most common inherited bone marrow failure (BMF) syndrome with 22 related genes identified. The ALDH2 rs671variant has been proved related to accelerate the progression of BMF in FA patients. The phenotype and genetic basis of Chinese FA patients have not been investigated yet.Methods: We analyzed the 22 FA-related genes of 63 BMF patients suspected to be FA. Clinical manifestations, morphological and cytogenetic feathers, ALDH2 genotypes, treatment, and outcomes of the definite cases were retrospectively studied.Results: A total of 24 patients were confirmed the diagnosis of FA with the median age of BMF onset was 4.5-year-old. The number of patients manifested as congenital malformations and growth retardation were 21/24 and 14/24, respectively. BM dysplasia and cytogenetic abnormalities were found in 15/23 and 10/22 patients. All the patients with abnormal karyotypes also manifested as BM dysplasia or had evident blasts. Thirty-nine different mutations were identified involving seven genes and including twenty-one novel mutations. FANCA mutations contributed to 58.33% of cases. Ten patients harboring ALDH2-G/A genotype have a significantly younger age of BMF onset (p=0.024). Within the 22 patients adhering to continuous follow-up, 18 patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCTs). During the 33.5 months of follow-up, 8/22 patients died, seven of which were HSCT-related, and one patient who did not receive HSCT died from severe infection.Conclusion: The phenotypic and genetic spectrum of Chinese FA patients is broad. Bone marrow dysplasia and cytogenetic abnormalities are prevalent and highly consistent. The overall outcome of HSCTs is disappointing. Nationwide multicenter studies are needed for the rarity and adverse outcome of this disease.


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