So far neither the exact catalytic mechanism nor the physiologically important acceptor proteins have been established. Domains involved in protein-protein interactions have been detected within the human enzyme. Knowledge of these domains will facilitate the discovery of potential acceptor proteins and also the characterization of dimerization of the enzyme itself. These processes appear to be causally linked. On the cellular level, the rate of spontaneous and induced chromosome breaks is drastically increased.
FA cells exhibit a high sensitivity towards oxygen.