Extrachromosomal Circular DNA: Category, Biogenesis, Recognition, and Functions
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Updated: Oct 19, 2025

Genome-wide Purification of Extrachromosomal Circular DNA from Eukaryotic Cells
Published on: April 4, 2016
Xiukai Cao1, Shan Wang2, Ling Ge2
1Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA), existing as double-stranded circular DNA, is derived and free from chromosomes. It is common in eukaryotes but has a strong heterogeneity in count, length, and origin. It has been demonstrated that eccDNA could function in telomere and rDNA maintenance, aging, drug resistance, tumorigenesis, and phenotypic variations of plants and animals. Here we review the current knowledge about eccDNA in category, biogenesis, recognition, and functions. We also provide perspectives on the potential implications of eccDNA in life science.
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