Unlocking the Secrets of Circular DNA: A New Hope for Cancer Treatment

New research funded by Cancer Grand Challenges reveals how extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) gives tumors an advantage by housing cancer-driving genes outside chromosomes, violating Mendel's laws of inheritance. Studies led by Howard Y. Chang and Paul Mischel show that ecDNA enhances gene expression and contributes to cancer's resilience and adaptability. The research also suggests potential therapies targeting ecDNA, with a biotech company developing treatments to exploit ecDNA's transcription-replication conflicts. The findings highlight ecDNA's significant role in cancer progression and treatment resistance.