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DNA

DNA is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on DNA and DNA-related technologies published quarterly online by MDPI.

All Articles (152)

Using the SIRAH Force-Field to Model Interactions Between Short DNA Duplexes

  • Romina Ruberto,
  • Enrico Smargiassi and
  • Giorgio Pastore

Background/Objectives: In recent years, short DNA duplexes have been studied as promising self-assembling systems and versatile building blocks for DNA-based nanotechnologies. Numerical simulations of colloidal systems incorporating such components require, as an input ingredient, reliable yet simplified force-fields capable of capturing the essential features of duplex-duplex interactions. Methods: We employed the coarse-grained SIRAH force field under an implicit solvent approximation to investigate the interactions between a pair of short, rigid double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) duplexes. We investigated the effect of duplex size by employing duplexes of 8 and 20 base pairs. Results: Using this realistic coarse-grained model, we obtained detailed insights into how the interaction force depends on the relative positions and orientations of the duplexes, as well as on salt concentration. Conclusions: Our findings provide a foundational step toward the systematic development of simplified, yet qualitatively accurate model potentials for DNA-based colloidal systems. Beyond nanotechnology, the short-range interaction features captured here are also relevant to biological contexts, including chromatin compaction, homologous recombination, and DNA repair.

2 February 2026

The two duplex fragments employed in the simulations: on the left, the 20 bp dsDNA fragment; on the right, the 8 bp dsDNA fragment.

Mitochondrial DNA Alterations in HPV-Related Cancers: Emerging Insights and Future Directions

  • Muharrem Okan Cakir,
  • Melis Selek and
  • Gholam Hossein Ashrafi
  • + 3 authors

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a leading cause of cervical cancer and a significant contributor to anogenital and oropharyngeal malignancies worldwide. While the oncogenic functions of HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 in disrupting nuclear tumor suppressor pathways are well established, their influence on mitochondrial biology has only recently emerged as a critical facet of HPV-driven carcinogenesis. This review synthesizes current evidence on the qualitative and quantitative alterations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and their functional consequences in HPV-associated cancers. We discuss how E6 and E7 modulate mitochondrial dynamics, bioenergetics, and redox balance, contributing to metabolic reprogramming, resistance to apoptosis, and adaptation to tumor microenvironmental stress. We also examine the clinical significance of mtDNA mutations, deletions, and copy number variations as potential biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy response. Advances in multi-omics approaches, high-throughput sequencing, and patient-derived organoid models have accelerated the exploration of mitochondria as therapeutic targets. Integrating mitochondrial profiling into HPV-related cancer research holds promise for identifying novel metabolic vulnerabilities and guiding the development of mitochondria-directed treatment strategies.

2 February 2026

Qualitative and Quantitative Alterations of mtDNA in HPV-Associated Cancers. Coding-region mutations (e.g., ND1, ND2, COI, ND5), deletions (such as the common 4.977 bp deletion), D-loop variants (C150T, T16172T, D310 repeat), and haplogroup associations contribute to HPV-driven carcinogenesis. Quantitative alterations include both increases and decreases in mtDNA copy number, with changes correlating with cancer risk, tumor stage, and progression. Mixed associations, such as the 10398 polymorphism, further highlight the prognostic complexity of mtDNA alterations in HPV-related disease [19,50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60,61]. The arrows indicate two major categories of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations observed in cancer. The left arrow represents qualitative changes, including point mutations, deletions, control region variants, and haplogroup-associated differences affecting mtDNA sequence integrity. The right arrow represents quantitative alterations, reflecting changes in mtDNA copy number, including increases, decreases, or mixed associations depending on cancer type, HPV status, and disease progression. The mitochondrion is shown in brown tones, with cristae indicated by darker inner folds. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is illustrated as circular structures within the matrix. Coloured markers are used to visually distinguish qualitative and quantitative mtDNA alterations and do not represent specific molecular identities or expression levels.

This review aims to provide a broad, multidisciplinary perspective on how dynamic genomics and systems biology are transforming modern healthcare, with a focus on cancer especially liver cancer (HCC). It explains how integrating multi-omics technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, interactomics, metabolomics, and spatial transcriptomics deepens our understanding of the complex tumor environment. These innovations enable precise patient stratification based on molecular, spatial, and functional tumor characteristics, allowing for personalized treatment plans. Emphasizing the role of regulatory networks and cell-specific pathways, the review shows how mapping these networks using multi-omics data can predict resistance, identify therapeutic targets, and aid in the development of targeted therapies. The approach shifts from standard, uniform treatments to flexible, real-time strategies guided by technologies such as liquid biopsies and wearable biosensors. A case study showcases the benefits of personalized therapy, which integrates epigenetic modifications, checkpoint inhibitors, and ongoing multi-omics monitoring in a patient with HCC. Future innovations, such as cloud-based genomic ecosystems, federated learning for privacy, and AI-driven data analysis, are also discussed to enhance decision-making and outcomes. The review underscores a move toward predictive and preventive healthcare by integrating layered data into clinical workflows. It reviews ongoing clinical trials using advanced molecular and immunological techniques for HCC. Overall, it promotes a systemic, technological, and spatial approach to cancer treatment, emphasizing the importance of experimental, biochemical–functional, and biophysical data-driven insights in personalizing medicine.

21 January 2026

Schematic representation of the multi-omics platforms in HCC.

Familial cancers are caused by inherited mutations in specific genes that regulate cell growth, division, and repair. Approximately 5–10% of all cancer cases have a hereditary component, where germline mutations in certain genes increase an individual’s susceptibility to developing cancer. Two major categories of genes are involved in cancer development: tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes. Both play critical roles in regulating normal cell behaviour, and when mutated, they can contribute to uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumour formation. In addition to genetic mutations, epigenetic alterations also play a significant role in familial cancer. Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression due to DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the dysregulation of non-coding RNAs without alter the underlying DNA sequence. Familial cancer syndromes follow various inheritance patterns, including autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked, and mitochondrial inheritance, each with distinct characteristics. Identifying genetic mutations associated with familial cancers is a cornerstone of genetic counselling, which helps individuals and families navigate the complex intersection of genetics, cancer risk, and prevention. Early identification of mutations enables personalized strategies for risk reduction, early detection, and, when applicable, targeted treatment options, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

13 January 2026

Distribution of candidate germline variants associated with cancer predisposition, based on exome sequencing data from patients representing 12 distinct cancer types.

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DNA - ISSN 2673-8856