When Ryan was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia (FA) at 18 months old, it was devastating. There were so many unknowns, and trying to gather information online was both frustrating and scary. When we found the Fanconi Cancer Foundation (FCF) and...
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Sharon Cantor
Associate Professor | PhD
My laboratory focuses on understanding how tumor suppressor proteins function to maintain genomic integrity and suppress cancer. In particular, we focus on the hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genes, BRCA1, BRCA2 and the BRCA1-associated helicase, FANCJ (BACH1/ BRIP1). Bi-allelic loss of these genes also causes Fanconi anemia (FA), a rare chromosomal instability and cancer syndrome. Our work on FANCJ revealed that DNA repair defects underlie both hereditary breast cancer and FA. Currently, we are employing biochemical and whole-genome screening technologies, to uncover mechanisms regulating DNA repair choice and how cancer cells evade toxic chemotherapies.
FA Research Projects
| Year | Project |
|---|---|
| 2020 | A small molecule approach to overcome replication dysfunction in FA |
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For our family, living with FA means living with faith. We see Liam as a normal, healthy child who continues to grow and surprise us. At the same time, we know there are real challenges.
Advocacy efforts play an essential role in building stronger systems of care for rare diseases. By elevating the experiences of families and engaging policymakers, organizations such as the Ivan & Joan Foundation are helping move rare disease awareness and care forward in their communities.