Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in cancer: mechanisms, functions, and clinical implications

Yucheng Dong; Qi He; Xinyu Chen; Fan Yang; Li He; Yongchang Zheng

doi:10.3389/fonc.2023.1194405

Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in cancer: mechanisms, functions, and clinical implications

Front Oncol. 2023 Jun 28:13:1194405. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1194405. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Yucheng Dong¹, Qi He¹, Xinyu Chen¹, Fan Yang², Li He³, Yongchang Zheng²

Affiliations

¹ Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
² Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
³ Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma, OK, United States.

Abstract

Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) is circular DNA that plays an important role in the development and heterogeneity of cancer. The rapid evolution of methods to detect ecDNA, including microscopic and sequencing approaches, has greatly enhanced our knowledge of the role of ecDNA in cancer development and evolution. Here, we review the molecular characteristics, functions, mechanisms of formation, and detection methods of ecDNA, with a focus on the potential clinical implications of ecDNA in cancer. Specifically, we consider the role of ecDNA in acquired drug resistance, as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, and as a therapeutic target in the context of cancer. As the pathological and clinical significance of ecDNA continues to be explored, it is anticipated that ecDNA will have broad applications in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients with cancer.

Keywords: NGS; drug resistance; ecDNA; liquid bioposy; tumor evolution.

Publication types

Review

Grants and funding

The study is supported by Natural Science Foundation of Beijing (7222130), and Beijing Undergraduate Training Programs for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (2022zglc06040). The funding pays for the accessibility of literature and open access publication fees.