Cell Cycle and Genome Instability: Implications for Cancer Evolution

Genome instability, from subtle mutations to extensive chromosomal rearrangements, is a defining hallmark of cancer and a driving force in tumor evolution. The dynamic landscape of chromatin structure directly impacts DNA repair processes, replication fidelity, and chromosomal segregation, key factors in the initiation and progression of many malignancies. Advances in chromosome and chromatin biology are revealing new mechanisms linking nuclear organization, genome maintenance, and cancer cell adaptability. Understanding these connections is essential for uncovering innovative therapeutic opportunities in oncology.



This Research Topic seeks cutting-edge research, (mini)reviews, methods, perspective and more addressing molecular, structural, and functional aspects of genome instability relevant to chromatin and cancer biology. Submissions utilizing molecular, genomic, and imaging approaches are especially encouraged, as are interdisciplinary studies.



Themes of interest might include, but are not limited to:

o Chromatin architecture and its role in shaping genome stability and DNA repair

o Replication stress and mechanisms fostering chromosomal instability in cancer cells

o Epigenetic regulation of genome maintenance pathways

o Mitotic errors, aneuploidy, polyploidy, and large-scale chromosomal events in tumorigenesis

o Cell cycle checkpoints, deregulation, and their contribution to genome instability

o Therapeutic approaches targeting genome instability and chromatin-modifying factors

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: genome instability in cancer, chromatin structure and dna repair, chromosomal rearrangements in tumor evolution, replication stress and cancer development, epigenetic regulation of genome stability, mitotic errors and aneuploidy in tumors, cell cycle

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.