Imaging extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in cancer.
- Resource Type
- Academic Journal
- Authors
- Purshouse K; MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.; Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair & Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.; Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.; Pollard SM; Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair & Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.; Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.; Bickmore WA; MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. Wendy.Bickmore@ed.ac.uk.
- Source
- Publisher: Springer Country of Publication: Germany NLM ID: 9506663 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1432-119X (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 09486143 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Histochem Cell Biol Subsets: MEDLINE
- Subject
- Language
- English
Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) are circular regions of DNA that are found in many cancers. They are an important means of oncogene amplification, and correlate with treatment resistance and poor prognosis. Consequently, there is great interest in exploring and targeting ecDNA vulnerabilities as potential new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. However, the biological significance of ecDNA and their associated regulatory control remains unclear. Light microscopy has been a central tool in the identification and characterisation of ecDNA. In this review we describe the different cellular models available to study ecDNA, and the imaging tools used to characterise ecDNA and their regulation. The insights gained from quantitative imaging are discussed in comparison with genome sequencing and computational approaches. We suggest that there is a crucial need for ongoing innovation using imaging if we are to achieve a full understanding of the dynamic regulation and organisation of ecDNA and their role in tumourigenesis.
(© 2024. The Author(s).)