Pioneering insights of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) generation, action and its implications for cancer therapy

Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) is a cancer-specific circular DNA molecule that is derived from chromosomes. In contrast with linear chromosomes, ecDNA exhibits a unique structure that can be representative of high chromosome accessibility, contributing to hyperactivated proto-oncogenes and malignant b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of biological sciences 2022-01, Vol.18 (10), p.4006-4025
Main Authors: Li, Zesheng, Wang, Bo, Liang, Hao, Han, Lei
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Review
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Summary:Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) is a cancer-specific circular DNA molecule that is derived from chromosomes. In contrast with linear chromosomes, ecDNA exhibits a unique structure that can be representative of high chromosome accessibility, contributing to hyperactivated proto-oncogenes and malignant behaviours. Meanwhile, nonchromosomal inheritance and recurrent mutations of ecDNA fuel tumour heterogeneity and evolution. Recent studies have demonstrated that ecDNA drives tumorigenesis and progression and is related to poor clinical outcomes and drug resistance across widespread cancers. Although ecDNA was first observed in 1965, with technological advancements, its critical functions in tumorigenesis are currently coming forth. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the origin, biogenesis process, discovery history, molecular mechanisms, and physiological functions of ecDNAs in cancer. Additionally, we highlight the effective research methods to study ecDNA and offer novel insights for ecDNA-directed therapies.
ISSN:1449-2288
1449-2288
DOI:10.7150/ijbs.73479