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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.02.22.639631

Selective depletion of cancer cells with extrachromosomal DNA via lentiviral infection

Yi, E.·Gujar, A.·Zhao, D.·Suina, K.·Jin, X.·Pardon, K.·Yu, Q.·Kagermazova, L.·Boeke, J. D.·Henssen, A. G.·Verhaak, R.
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Abstract

Dear Editor Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA), a major focal oncogene amplification mode found across cancer, has recently regained attention as an emerging cancer hallmark1,2, with a pervasive presence across cancers3,4. With technical advancements such as high-coverage sequencing and live-cell genome imaging, we can now investigate ecDNAs behaviors and functions 5-7. However, we still lack an understanding of how to eliminate ecDNA. We observed depletion of cells containing ecDNA during lentiviral but not transposon-based transduction while we sought to investigate the mechanism of ecDNA behavior. This discovery may provide critical information on utilizing a lentiviral system in emerging ecDNA research. Additionally, this observation suggests specific sensitivities for cells with ecDNA.

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Yi, E., Gujar, A., Zhao, D., Suina, K., Jin, X., Pardon, K., Yu, Q., Kagermazova, L., Boeke, J. D., Henssen, A. G., Verhaak, R.. 2025-02-27. Selective depletion of cancer cells with extrachromosomal DNA via lentiviral infection. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.02.22.639631

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