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Updated: Sep 30, 2025
14:26
Genome-wide Purification of Extrachromosomal Circular DNA from Eukaryotic Cells
Published on: April 4, 2016
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Extrachromosomal circular DNA in cancer: history, current knowledge, and methods
Julie B Noer1, Oskar K Hørsdal2, Xi Xiang3
1Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Trends in Genetics : TIG
|March 12, 2022
Summary
Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) is found in eukaryotes and plays key roles in cancer. This review clarifies eccDNA nomenclature, formation, study methods, and clinical potential.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) are nuclear, nonplasmid DNA molecules present in eukaryotes.
- eccDNA is implicated in cancer pathogenesis, tumor heterogeneity, and therapeutic resistance.
- Historically, eccDNA has been known by various names, including extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in cancer, often carrying amplified oncogenes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consolidate and contextualize existing and new research on eccDNA.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of eccDNA nomenclature, formation mechanisms, and study methodologies.
- To explore the potential clinical applications and value of eccDNA.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on eccDNA.
- Analysis of historical and current nomenclature for eccDNA.
- Description of eccDNA formation pathways.
- Overview of techniques used for eccDNA detection and analysis.
Main Results:
- eccDNA has been referred to by diverse names throughout scientific literature.
- Multiple mechanisms contribute to the formation of eccDNA.
- Various methods have been developed to study eccDNA, with ongoing advancements.
- eccDNA holds significant promise for clinical applications in oncology.
Conclusions:
- A unified understanding of eccDNA is crucial for advancing cancer research.
- Further investigation into eccDNA formation and function can yield novel therapeutic strategies.
- eccDNA represents a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer treatment.
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