Elizabeth Brunk, MSc, PhD
Tracking and Targeting Cancer’s Evasive DNA Escape Routes
Summary
Some of the most aggressive cancers evade treatment using rogue circles of DNA called extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA), which live outside the chromosomes in our cells. ecDNA carry extra copies of cancer-driving genes like HER2 and MYC. ecDNA can “shape-shift” back into chromosomes to temporarily hide from treatments and then re-emerge later, making tumors hard to kill. My lab uses artificial intelligence to analyze thousands of high-resolution images to track how ecDNA disappears and reappears during treatment. We’ve discovered that this process happens in cells with less ecDNA and that the drug used can influence how often it occurs. We are combining this AI-driven imaging with cutting-edge single-cell genomics to understand the DNA and gene activity of individual cells and block these DNA-based adaptations that help cancer. This research could lead to new treatments that block cancer’s ability to adapt and resist therapy, transforming how we treat hard-to-target tumors.
Watch a Q&A with Elizabeth
Winning the Foundation award enables our systems genomics lab, which integrates single-cell technologies and AI, to pursue rapid DNA adaptations in cancer. This support allows us to target and prevent these changes, improving patient responses and advancing durable treatments.
