Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
SHR Neuro Cancer Cardio Lipid Metab Microb
Heitzer, E; Auinger, L; Speicher, MR.
Cell-Free DNA and Apoptosis: How Dead Cells Inform About the Living.
Trends Mol Med. 2020; 26(5):519-528
Doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.01.012
Web of Science
PubMed
FullText
FullText_MUG
- Leading authors Med Uni Graz
- Heitzer Ellen
- Speicher Michael
- Co-authors Med Uni Graz
- Auinger Lisa
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- Abstract:
- Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is evolving into a widely used prognostic and predictive biomarker, particularly in oncology. However, its versatile clinical use precedes a profound understanding of the underlying biology of cfDNA release. There is much evidence to suggest that cfDNA is mainly derived from dying (i.e., apoptotic) cells. However, numerous cancer studies have shown that cfDNA is informative about acquired resistance to given therapies, which is present in living, proliferating tumor subclones. To explain this contradiction, we review current insights regarding cfDNA release, in particular the interplay between apoptosis and proliferation. We describe how improved knowledge about cfDNA biology could be used for novel therapeutic strategies and how this may affect patient management. Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.