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Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Stimulation of Cytoplasmic DNA Sensing Pathways In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: September 18, 2014
[Cytosolic DNA sensing by the cGAS-STING pathway in cancer]
Romain Chanut1, Virginie Petrilli1
1Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon, UM5286 U1052, université de Lyon, centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France.
Abstract:
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a universal cytosolic DNA sensor that detects nucleic acids of pathogens. Upon DNA sensing, cGAS triggers the formation of the second intracellular messenger, the cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), which activates the adaptor STING. STING engagement induces the secretion of cytokines and type I interferons that contribute to pathogen clearance. However, there is emerging evidence that cGAS is activated by self DNA in cancer cells and in antigen-presenting cells to trigger an antitumoral response. In this review, we will highlight the current understanding of self DNA sensing by cGAS in the context of cancer.
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