Understanding how cancer cells use circular DNA to grow and resist treatment
eDyNAmiC - JACKSONLAB
This study is looking at a special type of DNA found in some cancer cells that helps tumors grow and resist treatment, and it's aimed at finding new ways to better target and treat patients with aggressive cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10892537 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in cancer, focusing on how these circular DNA structures allow tumors to grow aggressively and evade treatments. By studying the mechanisms behind ecDNA formation and function, the research aims to uncover new ways to target these cancer cells effectively. The interdisciplinary team will explore how ecDNA affects gene regulation and the immune response, providing insights that could lead to innovative treatment strategies for patients with aggressive cancers.
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 new therapies that specifically target cancers driven by ecDNA, improving survival rates for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of ecDNA has been recognized for decades, recent advancements in understanding its role in cancer are still emerging, indicating that this research is at the forefront of a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Verhaak, Roel Gw — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Verhaak, Roel Gw
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.