Why in the News?
A recent study published in the ‘Nature’ has shown that Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) is present in approximately 50% of cancer types, playing a significant role in tumor evolution and genetic heterogeneity.
What is ecDNA?
| Details | • ecDNA stands for extrachromosomal DNA, which is small, circular DNA found in the nucleus of cells, separate from regular chromosomes. • Forms when DNA breaks off from chromosomes, often due to damage or errors in cell division. • Can carry extra copies of oncogenes, which promote cancer growth. • Initially thought to be unimportant, recent studies show it plays a major role in cancer. |
| How ecDNA Contributes to Cancer and Drug Resistance | • Helps Tumors Grow: ecDNA contains extra copies of oncogenes that help cancer cells grow faster and become more aggressive. • Drug Resistance: The extra oncogenes make the cancer harder to treat with standard drugs by producing more harmful proteins. • Faster Tumor Evolution: ecDNA allows cancer cells to evolve rapidly, making them more resistant to treatments like chemotherapy and enabling the tumor to grow even when drugs are used. |
How ecDNA Challenges Genetics Laws?
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