Chromosomal Instability (CIN)

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is an ongoing, elevated rate of chromosome mis-segregation and structural genomic rearrangement in dividing cells, and it is considered a defining hallmark of many cancers. CIN frequently generates micronuclei and other cytosolic DNA species that chronically engage the cGAS-STING pathway; rather than driving the classical antiviral type I interferon response, this persistent low-level activation can redirect STING signaling toward non-canonical outputs (such as NF-κB and ER-stress responses) that instead promote tumor cell survival, invasion, and metastatic spread.