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Life of double minutes: generation, maintenance, and elimination

Mila Ilić1, Irene C Zaalberg1,2, Jonne A Raaijmakers1

  • 1Division of Cell Biology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Chromosoma
|April 29, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Extrachromosomal DNA, known as double minutes (ecDNA), are prevalent in cancers but absent in healthy cells. These circular DNA elements amplify oncogenes, driving tumor aggressiveness and heterogeneity.

Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Cancer Biology
  • Molecular Oncology

Background:

  • Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA), including double minutes, are frequently detected in various cancers.
  • Unlike normal cells, cancer cells harbor ecDNA, which contains amplified oncogenes or drug resistance genes.
  • ecDNA contributes to tumor aggressiveness and adaptability through gene amplification and epigenetic modifications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current understanding of double minutes (ecDNA) in cancer.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of ecDNA generation, maintenance, and evolution.
  • To explore potential mechanisms for ecDNA elimination.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on ecDNA and double minutes.
  • Analysis of genomic sequencing data identifying ecDNA in cancer.
  • Discussion of proposed models for ecDNA formation and regulation.

Main Results:

  • Double minutes (ecDNA) are common in diverse cancer types, absent in healthy tissues.
  • ecDNA harbors amplified oncogenes and drug resistance genes, promoting tumor progression.
  • Unequal segregation of ecDNA leads to intratumoral heterogeneity and increased adaptability.

Conclusions:

  • Double minutes (ecDNA) play a critical role in cancer development and progression.
  • Understanding ecDNA dynamics is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.
  • Further research is needed to explore therapeutic strategies targeting ecDNA elimination.
Keywords:
Double minutesExtrachromosomal DNAExtrachromosomal oncogene amplificationGene amplificationecDNA

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