Division of Basic Research, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México City.
Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
Cancer Biol Ther. 2021 Apr 3;22(4):267-278. doi: 10.1080/15384047.2021.1890319. Epub 2021 Apr 16.
Nowadays, extracellular DNA or circulating cell-free DNA is considered to be a molecule with clinical applications (diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring of treatment responses, or patient follow-up) in diverse pathologies, especially in cancer. Nevertheless, because of its molecular characteristics, it can have many other functions. This review focuses on the participation of extracellular DNA (exDNA) in fundamental processes such as cell signaling, coagulation, immunity, evolution through horizontal transfer of genetic information, and adaptive response to inflammatory processes. A deeper understanding of its role in each of these processes will allow development of better tools to monitor and control pathologies, as well as helping to generate new therapeutic options, beyond the applicability of DNA in liquid biopsy.
现如今,细胞外 DNA 或循环无细胞 DNA 被认为是一种具有广泛应用价值的分子(可用于诊断、预后、治疗反应监测或患者随访),尤其在癌症领域。然而,由于其分子特征,它还具有许多其他功能。本综述重点介绍了细胞外 DNA(exDNA)在细胞信号转导、凝血、免疫、通过遗传信息水平转移进行进化以及对炎症过程的适应性反应等基本过程中的参与作用。深入了解其在这些过程中的作用将有助于开发更好的工具来监测和控制疾病,同时也有助于产生新的治疗选择,超越液体活检中 DNA 的应用。