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Updated: Sep 17, 2026

Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines
Published on: March 17, 2023
Somatic Mitochondrial-Nuclear DNA Transfer in Lymphoproliferative Disorders
James Peter Stewart1, Nikos Darzentas2, Miguel Alcoceba3
1Johnston Centre for Cancer Research Queens University Belfast Belfast UK.
Introduction:
Somatic mitochondrial-nuclear DNA transfer (SMNT) is a process by which mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), of varying sizes, integrate into the nuclear genome and has been previously reported in solid tumours.
Methods:
EuroClonality-NGS DNA Capture sequencing data from 755 lymphoid malignancies and 59 lymphoid cell lines were analysed for SMNT-associated structural variants.
Results:
Five malignancies (0.66%) harboured SMNTs, predominantly involving IGH genes, with one PTEN gene disruption identified. Breakpoint features supported non-homologous end joining-mediated integration.
Conclusion:
SMNTs are rare but recurrent events in lymphoid malignancies and may represent stable clonal markers for minimal residual disease monitoring.
Trial Registration:
The authors have confirmed clinical trial registration is not needed for this submission.
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