Investigating how extrachromosomal DNA contributes to cancer growth and treatment resistance
eDyNAmiC - SCRIPPS
This study is looking into 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 help patients with tumors that have this DNA.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10625797 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 aggressively and evolve rapidly, making them more resistant to treatments. The study aims to explore how ecDNAs function, how they affect cancer progression, and how they can be targeted for more effective therapies. By collaborating with a team of experts, the research seeks to uncover critical insights that could lead to new treatment strategies for patients with ecDNA-containing tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients whose tumors contain extrachromosomal DNA, which is present in nearly half of all cancer types.
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 innovative therapies that specifically target aggressive cancers associated with extrachromosomal DNA.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of extrachromosomal DNA has been recognized for decades, recent advancements in understanding its role in cancer are still emerging, indicating a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cravatt, Benjamin F — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Cravatt, Benjamin F
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.