DNA amplification: new insights into its mechanism

DNA amplification is a process whereby a limited part of the genome is increased in copy number with various consequences for the cell. It is frequently observed in cancer cells and it can be induced in mammalian cells grown in culture as well as in tumor cells when these are subjected to growth inhibiting drugs. In recent years new insights into the mechanisms involved in DNA amplification have been obtained; discussion of these will form the major subject of this short review.