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Updated: Aug 27, 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: biogenesis, structure, functions and diseases
Ludi Yang1,2, Ruobing Jia1,2, Tongxin Ge1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, P. R. China.
Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy
|October 2, 2022
Summary
Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) drives cancer evolution and progression. Understanding eccDNA biogenesis and function offers new avenues for precision cancer therapies targeting these circular DNA molecules.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) exists independently of chromosomes.
- eccDNA contributes to genomic instability and somatic rearrangements.
- eccDNA is implicated in chromatin-related events like super-enhancer formation and DNA repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the discovery, biogenesis, characteristics, and functions of eccDNA.
- To emphasize the role of eccDNA in tumor pathogenesis and malignant evolution.
- To summarize potential therapeutic applications targeting eccDNA in diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of eccDNA research.
- Analysis of eccDNA's role in genomic remodeling.
- Examination of eccDNA's involvement in biological processes and disease.
Main Results:
- eccDNA acts as a major source of somatic rearrangements and genomic remodeling.
- eccDNA participates in epigenetic remodeling, telomere maintenance, and signaling pathways.
- Aberrant eccDNA homeostasis is linked to cancer initiation, progression, and heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- eccDNA is a multifunctional molecule with significant roles in normal biology and disease.
- eccDNA serves as a potential biomarker for various diseases, particularly cancer.
- Targeting eccDNA presents promising strategies for precision cancer treatment.
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