Investigating how extrachromosomal DNA affects cancer growth and treatment resistance
eDyNAmiC-QMUL
This study is looking at how a special type of DNA called extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) helps cancer grow and become tougher to treat, with the goal of finding new ways to fight cancer more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ/london-Queen Mary& Westfield Coll NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (London, United Kingdom) |
| Project ID | NIH-10625549 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in cancer, which allows tumor-promoting genes to escape from chromosomes and form circular DNA structures. These ecDNAs enable tumors to grow more aggressively and evolve in ways that make them resistant to treatments. The study aims to explore how ecDNA influences gene regulation, tumor behavior, and interactions with the immune system, ultimately seeking to identify new therapeutic targets. By collaborating with a team of experts, the research hopes to fill critical gaps in knowledge about ecDNA and its implications for cancer treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients whose tumors contain extrachromosomal DNA.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve extrachromosomal DNA may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating aggressive cancers that harbor ecDNA, potentially improving patient survival rates.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of ecDNA has been recognized for decades, recent studies have begun to uncover its significance, indicating that this research is exploring a relatively novel area with potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
London, United Kingdom
- Univ/london-Queen Mary& Westfield Coll — London, United Kingdom (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Weini — Univ/london-Queen Mary& Westfield Coll
- Study coordinator: Huang, Weini
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 below.