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Extrachromosomal DNA drives cancer evolution

Ilio Vitale^1,2,†,* , Alessandro D’Ambrosio^1,2,†,* , Lorenzo Galluzzi^3,*

¹IIGM-Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, c/o IRCSS Candiolo, Torino, Italy
²Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
³Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
^†These authors contributed equally: Ilio Vitale, Alessandro D’Ambrosio
* Correspondence: Ilio Vitale(iliovit@gmail.com)Alessandro D’Ambrosio(alessandro.dambrosio87@gmail.com)Lorenzo Galluzzi(deadoc80@gmail.com)

Chromosomal instability promotes oncogene amplification through extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA), but the underlying mechanisms have been elusive. Recent data indicate that ecDNA originating from the rupture of micronuclei is retained throughout mitotic rounds and actively promotes oncogenic transcriptional programs, establishing ecDNA as a bona fide driver of cancer evolution.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41422-026-01225-9

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