Unlocking the Future of Genome Research: The Power of Extrachromosomal Circular DNA

Circular DNA of chromosomal origin is an abundant carrier of genetic information and recent research has shown that circular DNA is produced from all parts of the genome - in all eukaryotic species and cell types tested so far. We also know that circular DNA carries intact genes and that such genes are at least occasionally expressed with large impact on the cellular phenotype.

This raises important questions about the biology of circular DNA, including how it’s regulated differently from chromosomal DNA, how it can impact genome evolution, and how this can allow for a new understanding of disease. Specifically, circular DNA is now recognized as a key player in cancer research, as it drives oncogene amplification, tumor initiation, and disease progression in ~30% of all tumors. This has sparked intense interest in targeting circular DNA for innovative cancer therapies, drawing both academic and industry attention.

This exclusive meeting will bring together leading scientists exploring circular DNA across various domains and cell types, including cancer, viruses, plants, and model organisms. With a small, focused audience, we aim to foster deep discussions, knowledge exchange, and collaborative opportunities in an interactive setting.

If you study extrachromosomal circular DNA or have interest in studying them, please join us to be part of this dynamic and rapidly evolving field, where the next breakthroughs in cancer and virus research and therapeutic development await.

Registration Grants

We have several $500 and $1,000 registration grants available to help offset attendance costs. These grants are open to all career levels (with the exception of Invited Speakers), but priority will be given to those chosen to present, an early career candidates. For more information about eligibility and application criteria, see our 'Grants' page.

**Registration prices include: registration, accommodation at the Hilton Tulum for the conference nights (31 Oct, 01 & 02 Nov 2025) and a 24hr all-inclusive food and beverage package. For full details, see our prices tab**

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

Confirmed Invited Speakers

Vineet Bafna (University of California, San Diego)
THE SIGNATURE, SEQUENCE, AND 3-D STRUCTURE OF ecDNA
Yves Barral (ETH Zurich)
SELF-/NON-SELF DNA DISCRIMINATION IN EUKARYOTES: LESSONS FROM FUNGI AND THEIR eccDNAs
Bikram Gill (Kansas State University)
THE eccDNA, ACQUIRED INHERITANCE AND SPECIATION
Peng Han (University of Copenhagen)
CIRCULAR DNA LANDSCAPES AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE IN URINARY TRACT CANCERS
Anton Henssen (Max Delbrück Center)
EXTRACHROMOSOMAL ONCOGENE AMPLIFICATIONS IN PEDIATRIC CANCERS
Ruth Kroschewski (ETH Zurich)
SORTING EXOGENOUS EXTRACHROMOSOMAL DNA AWAY FROM CHROMOSOMAL DNA
Heng-Chi Lee (University of Chicago)
HOW C. ELEGANS CREATES AND SILENCES EXTRACHROMOSOMAL CIRCULAR DNA
Tingting Lu (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)
MULTI-OMICS ANALYSIS OF eccANKRD28-MEDIATED DRUG RESISTANCE IN MULTIPLE MYELOMA
Micah Luftig (Duke University)
BATTLING VIRAL CIRCULAR DNA: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF Sp140L IN RESTRICTING HERPESVIRUS GENOME EXPRESSION
Mariko Sasaki (National Institute of Genetics)
TRANSCRIPTION-REPLICATION COLLISION TRIGGERS EXTRACHROMOSOMAL rDNA CIRCLES
Agnel Sfeir (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
UNCOVERING THE ROLE OF DNA REPAIR IN ecDNA MAINTENANCE
Monica Triana (University of Copenhagen)
CIRCULAR DNA IN PLANTS: A LINK BETWEEN STRESS AND ADAPTATION
Sihan Wu (UT Southwestern)
THE CENTRAL DOGMA FOR ecDNA – ON ITS REPLICATION, REPAIR, AND SEGREGATION
Andrew Xiao (Yale University)
Lu Yang (Standord University)

Target Audience

Emerging as a new frontier for researchers globally, the topics discussed during this meeting will interest the broad biomedical research community, with emphasis on those with a research focus on genome dynamics, epigenetics, virology, and immunology, and wider topics surrounding the cancer genome and cancer evolution.

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 patients and as such, understanding its biology would bring novel perspectives for developing new therapeutic modalities.

As the landscape of research funding shifts, we understand external funding sources are now critical to ensure opportunities for scientific collaboration remain accessible, and uninterrupted. We are working closely with sponsors and partners to establish new initiatives to support those impacted by financial uncertainties. We will be updating this page regularly with new opportunities for support should they become available, so be sure to check back later to avoid missing out. To receive notifications about upcoming deadlines, and grant opportunities, sign up for updates using the bell icon above.

Registration Grants

We have several $500 and $1,000 registration grants* available to help offset attendance costs. These grants are open to new registrants at all career levels (with the exception of Invited Speakers), but priority will be given to those chosen to present, an early career candidates. To apply, please email Chloe Trundle. 

Your application should include your name, organisation, career level, an abstract for talk or poster consideration, and a short summary answering the below questions (no more than 50-100 words per question).
 
•    What cutting edge aspects of your work will you share at the meeting?
•    What knowledge gaps are you addressing in the field?
•    How will attending #ecDNA25 benefit your science and career?

Please structure your application into one document (preferably .doc), starting with the above application criteria, followed by your abstract.  

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and only a limited number of awards are available. Therefore, we recommend early application to avoid disappointment. If you are interested in presenting a talk, please ensure your abstract and application criteria are submitted no later than midnight BST on Monday 04 September 2025.

*Registration Grants are available for new registrations only and can be applied towards either 'Single' or 'Shared' registration rates. Unfortunately, they cannot be used against our discounted 'Student' rate.

Student Pricing

Both Students & Postdocs are eligible for our student price ($1,059). To take advantage of this discounted rate, hit register above and select our 'Student' ticket, uploading your proof of student/postdoc status when prompted. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Chloe.