FANCA (Fanconi anemia group A protein): FANCA is a gene that encodes a protein essential for the Fanconi anemia (FA) DNA repair pathway, which helps maintain genomic stability. FANCA plays a role in activating the FA core complex to identify and repair DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs), harmful lesions that can impede DNA replication and transcription. By coordinating the assembly and recruitment of the FA core complex to damaged DNA, FANCA facilitates proper DNA repair and prevents genome instability.