Extrachromosomal Circular DNA is emerging as a new frontier for biomedical research. Unlike the typical chromosome, which is linear, circular DNA does not have free ends. This circularity nature makes them defy much of the knowledge we have learned from the textbook, making this an exciting topic to uncover new biologies. Meanwhile, Circular DNA abundantly exists from plants to animals, including humans. Strikingly, now we know circular DNA is present in nearly 30% of cancer patients (known as extrachromosomal circular DNA, ecDNA). Circular DNA appears to be a common mechanism for cancer cells to amplify their oncogenes, driving tumor initiation and progression, and strongly attracting industry interest to target circular DNA biology for cancer therapy.

Key Sessions

• Chromosomal or Extrachromosomal
• Life cycle of extrachromosomal circular DNA
• Function of extrachromosomal circular DNA
• From Selfish elements: viruses and transposons
• Genome dynamics and evolution
• Cancer and other diseases

Educational Need

Extrachromosomal circular DNA brings a layer of genome dynamics to alter the genetic information. This process appears to be essential for promoting animal development and driving diseases. For example, cancer cells extensively exploit this DNA form to evolve within patient and as such, understanding its biology would bring novel perspectives for developing new therapeutic modalities.

Important Dates

Early Bird – 01 May 2025
Talk Submission – 01 May 2025
Poster Submission – 23 Jul 2025
Registration Deadline – 23 Jul 2025

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