Figure 1 (Key Figure).

Local genomic environment defines the susceptibility to genomic amplification by promoting a specific amplification mechanism (model). Two mechanisms, Breakage-Fusion-Bridge (cycles) and the formation of double minute chromosomes (DM) are shown. Gene A is associated with the formation of DMs, whereas gene B is preferentially amplified by BFB cycles. Genes A’ and B’, although encoding proteins with similar functions to A and B, respectively, are located in different genomic environments and are thus not amplified recurrently.