Exploring the Role of Extrachromosomal DNA in Cancer Biology and Therapeutic Targeting

The field of cancer genomics has experienced a paradigm shift with the recognition of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) as a pivotal player in tumor biology. Unlike linear chromosomal DNA, ecDNA exists as circular or non-chromosomal DNA elements that function independently within cancer cells. Recent studies have highlighted their ability to carry regulatory elements and oncogenes, driving malignancy and setting up complex regulatory networks within tumors. Mitochondrial DNA research has also underscored the potential of ecDNAs to introduce genomic plasticity and heterogeneity, processes that are now associated with rapid tumor evolution, metastasis, and the development of drug resistance. With ecDNAs now recognized as integral to 3D genome organization and transcriptional control, questions remain about their precise biological mechanisms and clinical implications.This Research Topic aims to systematically explore the multifaceted roles of ecDNA in cancer. The central objectives include elucidating the mechanisms underlying ecDNA generation, structure, and inheritance in tumor cells, as well as examining the functional consequences of their oncogenic cargo. We seek to clarify how ecDNA-mediated changes contribute to tumor heterogeneity, metastasis, and the emergence of drug resistance. Moreover, the topic aims to showcase the latest technological advances -such as single-cell genomics, sophisticated computational methodologies, and imaging approaches- that are revolutionizing ecDNA detection and characterization. Ultimately, the Research Topic will foster a comprehensive discussion encompassing both basic mechanistic insights and clinically oriented developments.The scope of the Research Topic spans basic, translational, and technological research to illuminate the impact of ecDNA on cancer evolution and potential treatments. Contributions focusing solely on non-cancerous contexts or unrelated genomic elements are outside the intended range. To gather further insights in these boundaries, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Mechanistic elucidation of ecDNA generation, structural dynamics, and cellular inheritance- Functional impacts of ecDNA on oncogene amplification and gene expression regulation- The contribution of ecDNA to intratumoral heterogeneity, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance- Advances in ecDNA detection, visualization, and quantification at the single-cell and tissue levels- Clinical perspectives on ecDNA, including their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets Topic editors: Pietro Tralongo, Guido Fadda, Maria Caffo, MAURIZIO MARTINI, Matthias Matter Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75921/exploring-the-role-of-extrachromosomal-dna-in-cancer-biology-and-therapeutic-targeting