The Fanconi Anemia Polypeptide, FAC, Binds to the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase, cdc2

Fanconi anemia proteins FANCA, FANCC, and FANCG/XRCC9 interact in a functional nuclear complex

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive cancer susceptibility syndrome with at least eight complementation groups (A to H). Three FA genes, corresponding to complementation groups A, C, and G, have been cloned, but their cellular function remains unknown. We have previously demonstrated that the FANCA and FANCC proteins interact and form a nuclear complex in normal cells, suggesting that the proteins cooperate in a nuclear function. In this report, we demonstrate that the recently cloned FANCG/XRCC9 protein is required for binding of the FANCA and FANCC proteins. Moreover, the FANCG protein is a component of a nuclear protein complex containing FANCA and FANCC. The amino-terminal region of the FANCA protein is required for FANCG binding, FANCC binding, nuclear localization, and functional activity of the complex. Our results demonstrate that the three cloned FA proteins cooperate in a large multisubunit complex. Disruption of this complex results in the specific cellular and clinical phenotype common to most FA complementation groups.

Loss of FancC Function Results in Decreased Hematopoietic Stem Cell Repopulating Ability

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a complex genetic disorder characterized by progressive bone marrow (BM) aplasia, chromosomal instability, and acquisition of malignancies, particularly myeloid leukemia. We used a murine model containing a disruption of the murine homologue ofFANCC (FancC) to evaluate short- and long-term multilineage repopulating ability of FancC −/− cells in vivo. Competitive repopulation assays were conducted where “test”FancC −/− or FancC +/+ BM cells (expressing CD45.2) were cotransplanted with congenic competitor cells (expressing CD45.1) into irradiated mice. In two independent experiments, we determined that FancC −/− BM cells have a profound decrease in short-term, as well as long-term, multilineage repopulating ability. To determine quantitatively the relative production of progeny cells by each test cell population, we calculated test cell contribution to chimerism as compared with 1 × 105 competitor cells. We determined that FancC −/− cells have a 7-fold to 12-fold decrease in repopulating ability compared with FancC +/+cells. These data indicate that loss of FancC function results in reduced in vivo repopulating ability of pluripotential hematopoietic stem cells, which may play a role in the development of the BM failure in FA patients. This model system provides a powerful tool for evaluation of experimental therapeutics on hematopoietic stem cell function.

Intracellular localization of the Fanconi anemia complementation group A protein

Mutations in the Fanconi anemia (FA) complementation group A (FANCA) gene leads to bone marrow failure, developmental abnormalities and cancer predisposition. To map the intracellular site of FANCA, we constructed a plasmid vector which linked in-frame the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP cDNA) to the 5' end of the FANCA cDNA (pDAS-3). We studied the expression of pDAS-3 in the FANCA mutant fibroblast cell line (GM6914). MMC sensitivity of pDAS-3 transfected cells was comparable to wild-type fibroblasts. The resulting fluorescence pattern in the stable pDAS-3 cell line expressing the fusion protein was primarily nuclear. EGFP-selected cells (lacking FANCA) remain hypersensitive to MMC and maintained a cytoplasmic fluorescence pattern. Using deletion mutants of pDAS-3, a nuclear localization domain was identified at the amino terminus of the polypeptide. Western blot results of FANCA protein confirmed the presence of FANCA in nuclear fractions and FANCA protein levels did not vary during cell cycling. This nuclear trafficking of FANCA should guide future work in defining the function of this protein.

Accelerated telomere shortening and telomerase activation in Fanconi's anaemia

Fanconi's anaemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by progressive bone marrow failure that often evolves towards acute leukaemia. FA also belongs to a group of chromosome instability diseases. Because telomeres are directly involved in chromosomal stability and in cell proliferation capacity, we examined telomere metabolism in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Telomere length was significantly shorter in 54 FA patient samples, compared to 51 controls (P<0.0001). In addition, mean telomere terminal restriction fragment lengths (TRF) in nine heterozygous patient samples did not differ from those of controls. In 14 samples from FA patients with severe aplastic anaemia (SFA), telomere length was significantly shorter than in 22 samples of age-matched FA patients with moderate haematological abnormalities (NSFA) (P<0.001). However, no correlation was found between TRF length and the presence of bone marrow clonal abnormalities in 16 additional, separately analysed, patient samples. Sequential measurement of TRF in six FA patients showed an accelerated rate of telomere shortening. Accordingly, telomere shortening rate was inversely correlated with clinical status. Telomerase, the enzyme that counteracts telomere shortening, was 4.8-fold more active in 25 FA patients than in 15 age-matched healthy controls. A model for the FA disease process is proposed.

A patient-derived mutant form of the Fanconi anemia protein, FANCA, is defective in nuclear accumulation

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive cancer susceptibility syndrome with at least eight complementation groups (A-H). Three FA genes, corresponding to complementation groups A, C, and G, have been cloned, but the function of the encoded FA proteins remains unknown. We recently demonstrated that the FANCA and FANCC proteins bind and form a nuclear complex. In the current study, we identified a homozygous mutation in the FANCA gene (3329A>C) in an Egyptian FA patient from a consanguineous family. This mutant FANCA allele is predicted to encode a mutant FANCA protein, FANCA(H1110P), in which histidine 1110 is changed to proline. Initially, we characterized the FANCA(H1110P) protein, expressed in an Epstein Barr virus (EBV)-immortalized lymphoblast line derived from the patient. Unlike wild-type FANCA protein expressed in normal lymphoblasts, FANCA(H1110P) was not phosphorylated and failed to bind to FANCC. To test directly the effect of this mutation on FANCA function, we used retroviral-mediated transduction to express either wild-type FANCA or FANCA(H1110P) protein in the FA-A fibroblast line, GM6914. Unlike wild-type FANCA, the mutant protein failed to complement the mitomycin C sensitivity of these cells. In addition, the FANCA(H1110P) protein was defective in nuclear accumulation in the transduced cells. The characteristics of this mutant protein underscore the importance of FANCA phosphorylation, FANCA/FANCC binding, and nuclear accumulation in the function of the FA pathway.

The molecular and cellular biology of Fanconi anemia

Fanconi anemia is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by multiple congenital abnormalities, bone marrow failure, and cancer susceptibility. The mean age of onset of anemia is 8 years, and the mean survival is 16 years. Death usually results from complications of bone marrow failure. Considerable progress in Fanconi anemia research has resulted from the recent identification and cloning of three Fanconi anemia genes. The current review describes the structure and function of the Fanconi anemia genes and describes the role of the encoded Fanconi anemia proteins in a cellular pathway controlling chromosome stability.

Inherited and inducible chromosomal instability: a fragile bridge between genome integrity mechanisms and tumourigenesis

Cancer is a multi-step process evolving as the result of the accumulation of a number of mutational events. The growing body of evidence implicating genetic instability as a key feature of this evolutionary process and the risk of malignancy associated with chromosomal instability syndromes highlight the importance of understanding the mechanisms that cells use to maintain the integrity of their genomes. Classic examples of inherited chromosomal instability with cancer predisposition are Bloom's syndrome, ataxia telangiectasia, and Fanconi anaemia, although the mechanisms involved are far from understood. Selected features of these inherited disorders are reviewed to provide a background to the more recently discovered inducible chromosomal instability, a phenotype in which apparently normal cells that have survived ionizing radiation and certain chemical insults may produce descendants exhibiting a high frequency of de novo chromosome aberrations and gene mutations. The phenotype is induced at frequencies considerably greater than conventional mutation frequencies but little is understood of the underlying mechanism(s). To date, chromosomal instability induced by ionizing radiation has been the most extensively studied phenotype and it is evident that the expression of inducible instability has a strong dependence on the type of radiation exposure, the cell type irradiated, and the genetic 'predisposition' of the irradiated cell.

Abnormal Microsomal Detoxification Implicated in Fanconi Anemia Group C by Interaction of the FAC Protein With NADPH Cytochrome P450 Reductase

The FAC protein encoded by the Fanconi anemia (FA) complementation group C gene is thought to function in the cytoplasm at a step before DNA repair. Because FA cells are susceptible to mitomycin C, we considered the possibility that FAC might interact with enzymes involved in the bioreductive activation of this drug. Here we report that FAC binds to NADPH cytochrome-P450 reductase (RED), a microsomal membrane protein involved in electron transfer, in both transfected COS-1 and normal murine liver cells. FAC-RED interaction requires the amino-terminal region of FAC and the cytosolic, membrane-proximal domain of the reductase. The latter contains a known binding site for flavin mononucleotide (FMN). Addition of FMN to cytosolic lysates disrupts FAC-reductase complexes, while flavin dinucleotide, which binds to a distinct carboxy-terminal domain, fails to alter FAC-RED complexes at concentrations similar to FMN. FAC is also functionally coupled to this enzyme as its expression in COS-1 cells suppresses the ability of RED to reduce cytochrome c in the presence of NADPH. We propose that FAC plays a fundamental role in vivo by attenuating the activity of RED, thereby regulating a major detoxification pathway in mammalian cells.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

Abnormal Microsomal Detoxification Implicated in Fanconi Anemia Group C by Interaction of the FAC Protein With NADPH Cytochrome P450 Reductase

The FAC protein encoded by the Fanconi anemia (FA) complementation group C gene is thought to function in the cytoplasm at a step before DNA repair. Because FA cells are susceptible to mitomycin C, we considered the possibility that FAC might interact with enzymes involved in the bioreductive activation of this drug. Here we report that FAC binds to NADPH cytochrome-P450 reductase (RED), a microsomal membrane protein involved in electron transfer, in both transfected COS-1 and normal murine liver cells. FAC-RED interaction requires the amino-terminal region of FAC and the cytosolic, membrane-proximal domain of the reductase. The latter contains a known binding site for flavin mononucleotide (FMN). Addition of FMN to cytosolic lysates disrupts FAC-reductase complexes, while flavin dinucleotide, which binds to a distinct carboxy-terminal domain, fails to alter FAC-RED complexes at concentrations similar to FMN. FAC is also functionally coupled to this enzyme as its expression in COS-1 cells suppresses the ability of RED to reduce cytochrome c in the presence of NADPH. We propose that FAC plays a fundamental role in vivo by attenuating the activity of RED, thereby regulating a major detoxification pathway in mammalian cells.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

The fanconi anemia pathway requires FAA phosphorylation and FAA/FAC nuclear accumulation

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive cancer susceptibility syndrome with at least eight complementation groups (A-H). Two FA genes, corresponding to complementation groups A and C, have been cloned, but the function of the FAA and FAC proteins remains unknown. We have recently shown that the FAA and FAC proteins bind and form a nuclear complex. In the current study, we analyzed the FAA and FAC proteins in normal lymphoblasts and lymphoblasts from multiple FA complementation groups. In contrast to normal controls, FA cells derived from groups A, B, C, E, F, G, and H were defective in the formation of the FAA/FAC protein complex, the phosphorylation of the FAA protein, and the accumulation of the FAA/FAC protein complex in the nucleus. These biochemical events seem to define a signaling pathway required for the maintenance of genomic stability and normal hematopoiesis. Our results support the idea that multiple gene products cooperate in the FA Pathway.

The Fanconi Anemia Proteins FAA and FAC Function in Different Cellular Compartments to Protect Against Cross-Linking Agent Cytotoxicity

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by chromosomal instability, bone marrow failure, and a high risk of developing malignancies. Although the disorder is genetically heterogeneous, all FA cells are defined by their sensitivity to the apoptosis-inducing effect of cross-linking agents, such as mitomycin C (MMC). The cloned FA disease genes, FAC and FAA, encode proteins with no homology to each other or to any known protein. We generated a highly specific antibody against FAA and found the protein in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of mammalian cells. By subcellular fractionation, FAA is also associated with intracellular membranes. To identify the subcellular compartment that is relevant for FAA activity, we appended nuclear export and nuclear localization signals to the carboxy terminus of FAA and enriched its localization in either the cytoplasm or the nucleus. Nuclear localization of FAA was both necessary and sufficient to correct MMC sensitivity in FA-A cells. In addition, we found no evidence for an interaction between FAA and FAC either in vivo or in vitro. Together with a previous finding that FAC is active in the cytoplasm but not in the nucleus, our results indicate that FAA and FAC function in separate subcellular compartments. Thus, FAA and FAC, if functionally linked, are more likely to be in a linear pathway rather than form a macromolecular complex to protect against cross-linker cytotoxicity.

The Fanconi Anemia Proteins FAA and FAC Function in Different Cellular Compartments to Protect Against Cross-Linking Agent Cytotoxicity

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by chromosomal instability, bone marrow failure, and a high risk of developing malignancies. Although the disorder is genetically heterogeneous, all FA cells are defined by their sensitivity to the apoptosis-inducing effect of cross-linking agents, such as mitomycin C (MMC). The cloned FA disease genes, FAC and FAA, encode proteins with no homology to each other or to any known protein. We generated a highly specific antibody against FAA and found the protein in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of mammalian cells. By subcellular fractionation, FAA is also associated with intracellular membranes. To identify the subcellular compartment that is relevant for FAA activity, we appended nuclear export and nuclear localization signals to the carboxy terminus of FAA and enriched its localization in either the cytoplasm or the nucleus. Nuclear localization of FAA was both necessary and sufficient to correct MMC sensitivity in FA-A cells. In addition, we found no evidence for an interaction between FAA and FAC either in vivo or in vitro. Together with a previous finding that FAC is active in the cytoplasm but not in the nucleus, our results indicate that FAA and FAC function in separate subcellular compartments. Thus, FAA and FAC, if functionally linked, are more likely to be in a linear pathway rather than form a macromolecular complex to protect against cross-linker cytotoxicity.

Functional activity of the fanconi anemia protein FAA requires FAC binding and nuclear localization

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by genomic instability, cancer susceptibility, and cellular hypersensitivity to DNA-cross-linking agents. Eight complementation groups of FA (FA-A through FA-H) have been identified. Two FA genes, corresponding to complementation groups FA-A and FA-C, have been cloned, but the functions of the encoded FAA and FAC proteins remain unknown. We have recently demonstrated that FAA and FAC interact to form a nuclear complex. In this study, we have analyzed a series of mutant forms of the FAA protein with respect to functional activity, FAC binding, and nuclear localization. Mutation or deletion of the amino-terminal nuclear localization signal (NLS) of FAA results in loss of functional activity, loss of FAC binding, and cytoplasmic retention of FAA. Replacement of the NLS sequence with a heterologous NLS sequence, derived from the simian virus 40 T antigen, results in nuclear localization but does not rescue functional activity or FAC binding. Nuclear localization of the FAA protein is therefore necessary but not sufficient for FAA function. Mutant forms of FAA which fail to bind to FAC also fail to promote the nuclear accumulation of FAC. In addition, wild-type FAC promotes the accumulation of wild-type FAA in the nucleus. Our results suggest that FAA and FAC perform a concerted function in the cell nucleus, required for the maintenance of chromosomal stability.

Is Fanconi anemia caused by a defect in the processing of DNA damage?

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal genetic disease characterized by a complex array of developmental disorders, a high predisposition to bone marrow failure and to acute myelogenous leukemia. The chromosomal instability and the hypersensitivity to DNA cross-linking agents led to its classification with the DNA repair disorders. This review aimed at establishing whether it is still appropriate to consider 1/approximately FA within a DNA repair framework taking into account the recently discovered genetic heterogeneity characteristics of the defect (eight complementation groups). We discuss the possibility that the FA proteins interact to form a complex which may control different functions, including the processing of specific DNA lesions. Such a complex may act as a sensor to initiate protective systems as well as transcription of specific genes specifying, among others proteins, growth factors. Such steps may be organized as a linear cascade or more likely under the form of a web network.

Molecular Chaperone GRP94 Binds to the Fanconi Anemia Group C Protein and Regulates Its Intracellular Expression

The FAC protein encoded by the gene defective in Fanconi anemia (FA) complementation group C binds to at least three ubiquitous cytoplasmic proteins in vitro. We used here the complete coding sequence ofFAC in a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify interacting proteins. The molecular chaperone GRP94 was isolated twice from a B-lymphocyte cDNA library. Binding was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation of FAC and GRP94 from cytosolic, but not nuclear, lysates of transfected COS-1 cells, as well as from mouse liver cytoplasmic extracts. Deletion mutants of FAC showed that residues 103-308 were required for interaction with GRP94, and a natural splicing mutation within the IVS-4 of FAC that removes residues 111-148 failed to bind GRP94. Ribozyme-mediated inactivation of GRP94 in the rat NRK cell line led to significantly reduced levels of immunoreactive FAC and concomitant hypersensitivity to mitomycin C, similar to the cellular phenotype of FA. Our results demonstrate that GRP94 interacts with FAC both in vitro and in vivo and regulates its intracellular level in a cell culture model. In addition, the pathogenicity of the IVS-4 splicing mutation in the FAC gene may be mediated in part by its inability to bind to GRP94.

Molecular Chaperone GRP94 Binds to the Fanconi Anemia Group C Protein and Regulates Its Intracellular Expression

The FAC protein encoded by the gene defective in Fanconi anemia (FA) complementation group C binds to at least three ubiquitous cytoplasmic proteins in vitro. We used here the complete coding sequence ofFAC in a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify interacting proteins. The molecular chaperone GRP94 was isolated twice from a B-lymphocyte cDNA library. Binding was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation of FAC and GRP94 from cytosolic, but not nuclear, lysates of transfected COS-1 cells, as well as from mouse liver cytoplasmic extracts. Deletion mutants of FAC showed that residues 103-308 were required for interaction with GRP94, and a natural splicing mutation within the IVS-4 of FAC that removes residues 111-148 failed to bind GRP94. Ribozyme-mediated inactivation of GRP94 in the rat NRK cell line led to significantly reduced levels of immunoreactive FAC and concomitant hypersensitivity to mitomycin C, similar to the cellular phenotype of FA. Our results demonstrate that GRP94 interacts with FAC both in vitro and in vivo and regulates its intracellular level in a cell culture model. In addition, the pathogenicity of the IVS-4 splicing mutation in the FAC gene may be mediated in part by its inability to bind to GRP94.

Fanconi's anemia: what have we learned from the genes so far?

Fanconi's anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder affecting children at an early age; patients suffer from progressive bone marrow failure and, in many cases, from congenital malformations. As cells from FA patients have an increased sensitivity to DNA-crosslinking agents, FA has been included among the group of DNA repair disorders. However, identification of a specific DNA repair defect in FA has not been firmly established. None the less, this cellular phenotype has allowed the classification of FA patients into eight complementation groups defining eight possible FA genes. Two of these genes have now been cloned and, although they have raised more questions than they have answered, are facilitating the identification of cellular processes implicated in the pathophysiology of FA, and the design of new therapies.

The Fanconi Anemia Group C Gene Product Is Located in Both the Nucleus and Cytoplasm of Human Cells

The Fanconi anemia (FA) complementation group C (FAC) protein gene encodes a cytoplasmic protein with a predicted Mrof 63,000. The protein's function is unknown, but it has been hypothesized that it either mediates resistance to DNA cross-linking agents or facilitates repair after exposure to such factors. The protein also plays a permissive role in the growth of colony-forming unit–granulocyte/macrophage (CFU-GM), burst-forming unit–erythroid (BFU-E), and CFU-erythroid (CFU-E). Attributing a specific function to this protein requires an understanding of its intracellular location. Recognizing that prior study has established the functional importance of its cytoplasmic location, we tested the hypothesis that FAC protein can also be found in the nucleus. Purified recombinant Escherichia coli–derived FAC antigens were used to create antisera able to specifically identify an Mr = 58,000 protein in lysates from human Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed cell lines by immunoblot analysis. Subcellular fractionation of the cell lysates followed by immunoblot analysis revealed that the majority of the FAC protein was cytoplasmic, as reported previously; however, approximately 10% of FAC protein was reproducibly detected in nuclear fractions. These results were reproducible by two different fractionation methods, and included markers to control for contamination of nuclear fractions by cytoplasmic proteins. Moreover, confocal image analysis of human 293 cells engineered to express FAC clearly demonstrated that FAC protein is located in both cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments, consistent with data obtained from fractionation of the FA cell lines. Finally, complementation of the FAC defect using retroviral-mediated gene transfer resulted in a substantial increase in nuclear FAC protein. Therefore, while cytoplasmic localization of this protein appears to be functionally important, it may also exert some essential nuclear function.

DNA Cross-Linker–Induced G2/M Arrest in Group C Fanconi Anemia Lymphoblasts Reflects Normal Checkpoint Function

Cells from individuals with Fanconi anemia (FA) arrest excessively in the G2/M cell cycle compartment after exposure to low doses of DNA cross-linking agents. The relationship of this abnormality to the fundamental genetic defect in such cells is unknown, but many investigators have speculated that the various FA genes directly regulate cell cycle checkpoints. We tested the hypothesis that the protein encoded by the FA group C complementing gene (FAC) functions to control a cell cycle checkpoint and that cells from group C patients (FA[C]) have abnormalities of cell cycle regulation directly related to the genetic mutation. We found that retroviral transduction of FA(C) lymphoblasts with wild-type FAC cDNA resulted in normalization of the cell cycle response to low-dose mitomycin C (MMC). However, when DNA damage was quantified in terms of cytogenetic damage or cellular cytotoxicity, we found similar degrees of G2/M arrest in response to equitoxic amounts of MMC in FA(C) cells as well as in normal lymphoblasts. Similar results were obtained using isogenic pairs of uncorrected, FAC- or mock-corrected (neo only) FA(C) cell lines. To test the function of other checkpoints we examined the effects of hydroxyurea (HU) and ionizing radiation on cell cycle kinetics of FA(C) and normal lymphoblasts as well as with isogenic pairs of uncorrected, FAC-corrected, or mock-corrected FA(C) cell lines. In all cases the cell cycle response of FA(C) and normal lymphoblasts to these two agents were identical. Based on these studies we conclude that the aberrant G2/M arrest that typifies the response of FA(C) cells to low doses of cross-linking agents does not represent an abnormal cell cycle response but instead represents a normal cellular response to the excessive DNA damage that results in FA(C) cells following exposure to low doses of cross-linking agents.

The Fanconi anaemia proteins, FAA and FAC, interact to form a nuclear complex

Fanconi anaemia (FA) is an autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by genomic instability, developmental defects, DNA crosslinking agent hypersensitivity and cancer susceptibility. Somatic-cell hybrid studies have revealed five FA complementation groups (A-E; refs 4-6) displaying similar phenotypes, suggesting that FA genes are functionally related. The two cloned FA genes, FAA and FAC, encode proteins that are unrelated to each other or to other proteins in GenBank. In the current study, we demonstrate the FAA and FAC bind each other and form a complex. Protein binding correlates with the functional activity of FAA and FAC, as patient-derived mutant FAC (L554P) fails to bind FAA. Although unbound FAA and FAC localize predominantly to the cytoplasm, the FAA-FAC complex is found in similar abundance in both cytoplasm and nucleus. Our results confirm the interrelatedness of the FA genes in a pathway, suggesting the cooperation of FAA and FAC in a nuclear function.

Molecular biology of Fanconi anemia

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare, autosomal recessive disease characterized by multiple congenital abnormalities, bone marrow failure, and cancer susceptibility. Although traditionally described as a classic clinical syndrome, as more is discovered regarding its basic molecular and cell biology, FA is emerging as a true premalignant syndrome. Two of the genes of the five known complementation groups have been cloned, and work to understand their function is underway. Further understanding of these gene products has lent new ideas concerning modes of novel therapy, including gene therapy. The impact of molecular biology on our understanding of basic biology and the clinical care of FA patients is discussed.

Fanconi anemia group A and D cell lines respond normally to inhibitors of cell cycle regulation

Cells from patients with Fanconi anemia (FA) show decreased viability and decreased chromosome stability after treatment with DNA cross-linking agents, compared to normal cells. FA cells also show a relative accumulation at the G2/M transition after such treatment. This has suggested a possible checkpoint abnormality. In the studies presented here, treatment with hydroxyurea, caffeine or inhibitors of cell cycle kinases did not reveal abnormalities in survival or chromosome stability in FA-A or FA-D cells. Chromosomal breaks introduced by hydrogen peroxide or methyl methanesulfonate accumulated to the same extent in FA-A or FA-D cells as in normal cells. We conclude that FA-A and FA-D cells respond normally to agents known to alter the cell cycle or introduce DNA strand breaks. FA cells process strand breaks and a variety of DNA monoadducts normally. Our results are compatible with repair of DNA crosslinks being slower in FA than in normal cells and FA cells having normal cell cycle checkpoints.