Investigating how cancer cells use circular DNA to grow and resist treatment
Official title: eDyNAmiC - UCL
Funded at University College London · NIH-10627284 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special type of DNA found in some cancers that helps tumors grow and resist treatment, and it's aimed at finding new ways to help patients with these tumors get better care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University College London NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (London, United Kingdom) |
| Project start | September 6, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $206,437 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2CA278702-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10627284 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients whose tumors contain extrachromosomal DNA.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not involve ecDNA may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in cancer, which allows tumor-promoting genes to escape from chromosomes and form circular DNA structures. These ecDNAs enable tumors to express higher levels of oncogenes, leading to aggressive cancer growth and treatment resistance. By studying how ecDNA forms, functions, and evolves, the research aims to uncover new strategies for targeting these cancers. Patients with tumors containing ecDNA may benefit from insights gained through this research, potentially leading to more effective treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with aggressive cancers that harbor ecDNA.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of ecDNA has been recognized for decades, recent studies are beginning to explore its implications, making this research both novel and timely.
Where this research is happening
-
University College London
London, United Kingdom Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jamal-Hanjani, Mariam — University College London
- Study coordinator: Jamal-Hanjani, Mariam
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.