The role of extrachromosomal DNA in tumorigenesis and progression

Xiaoyang Ma; Xiaolin Yu; Chuan Wu; Lixing Song

doi:10.3389/fonc.2025.1665024

The role of extrachromosomal DNA in tumorigenesis and progression

Front Oncol. 2025 Sep 15:15:1665024. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1665024. eCollection 2025.

Authors

Xiaoyang Ma^{1

2}, Xiaolin Yu^{1

2}, Chuan Wu^{1

2}, Lixing Song^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zigong Fourth People's Hospital, Zigong, China.
² Sichuan Vocational College of Health and Rehabilitation, Zigong, China.

Abstract

In tumors, extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) is an important driver of oncogene expression, genomic instability, the evolution of drug resistance, and poor patient prognosis. ecDNA is present in various tumors but is rarely found in normal cells. Here, we provide a detailed review of the structure, genetics, occurrence, outcomes, and functions of ecDNA, offering further reference for research on ecDNA.

Keywords: cancer progression; ecDNA; heterogeneity; oncogene; tumorigenesis.

Publication types

Review