Extra chromosomal DNA in different cancers: Individual genome with important biological functions

Cancer can be caused by various factors, including the malfunction of tumor suppressor genes and the hyperactivation of proto-oncogenes. Tumor-associated extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) has been shown to adversely affect human health and accelerate malignant actions. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on different cancer types suggested that the amplification of ecDNA has increased the oncogene copy number in various cancers. The unique structure and function of ecDNA, its profound significance in cancer, and its help in the comprehension of current cancer genome maps, renders it as a hotspot to explore the tumor pathogenesis and evolution. Illumination of the basic mechanisms of ecDNA may provide more insights into cancer therapeutics. Despite the recent advances, different features of ecDNA require further elucidation. In the present review, we primarily discussed the characteristics, biogenesis, genesis, and origin of ecDNA and later highlighted its functions in both tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance of different cancers.

Automated summary

ecDNA, as a pivotal factor in tumor pathogenesis and evolution, amplifies oncogene copy numbers in cancer, thus playing a significant role in understanding the cancer genome landscape. Further exploration of the basic mechanisms of ecDNA may provide additional insights for cancer therapeutics.