Extrachromosomal microDNA Signature as a Candidate Biomarker in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

ABSTRACT: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer. Despite improved therapies, refractory and relapsed ALL remain the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in children. There is a need for accessible biomarkers for frequent, minimally invasive disease monitoring and prompt intervention. MicroDNA is a novel extrachromosomal DNA that preferentially originates from gene segments with high transcriptional activity and/or increased chromatin accessibility. We investigated whether microDNA-producing genes repertoire changes in a disease-dependent manner. We characterized microDNAs in 52 paired bone marrow (BM) and plasma samples from pediatric patients with ALL at diagnosis, relapse, and remission. No difference in the length or number of microDNA was noted across stages

SUBMITTER: Brukner I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12813666 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature