Cell senescence and malignant transformation in the inherited bone marrow failure syndromes: Overlapping pathophysiology with therapeutic implications

Semin Hematol. 2022 Jan;59(1):30-37. doi: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2022.01.003. Epub 2022 Jan 31.

Abstract

Fanconi anemia, telomeropathies and ribosomopathies are members of the inherited bone marrow failure syndromes, rare genetic disorders that lead to failure of hematopoiesis, developmental abnormalities, and cancer predisposition. While each disorder is caused by different genetic defects in seemingly disparate processes of DNA repair, telomere maintenance, or ribosome biogenesis, they appear to lead to a common pathway characterized by premature senescence of hematopoietic stem cells. Here we review the experimental data on senescence and inflammation underlying marrow failure and malignant transformation. We conclude with a critical assessment of current and future therapies targeting these pathways in inherited bone marrow failure syndromes patients.

Keywords: Fanconi Anemia; Telomere biology disorders; cell senescence; inherited bone marrow failure syndromes; ribosomopathies; somatic mutations.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Aplastic* / therapy
  • Bone Marrow Diseases* / genetics
  • Bone Marrow Diseases* / therapy
  • Cellular Senescence / genetics
  • Congenital Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes
  • Fanconi Anemia* / genetics
  • Fanconi Anemia* / therapy
  • Humans