How certain genetic elements can trigger immune responses to fight cancer
Official title: Interplay between LINE-1 retrotransposons, condensins, and IFN
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11037973 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genetic elements in our cells can help boost the immune system's response to cancer, with the goal of finding new ways to use our body's defenses to fight cancer more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $361,100 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM147138-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037973 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that may be responsive to therapies targeting immune activation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers do not involve the mechanisms being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Long Interspersed Element-1s (L1s) in inducing immune responses in epithelial cells, particularly focusing on how these elements can activate Type I interferons (IFNα and IFNβ). The study explores the interaction between L1s and condensin proteins, which are crucial for regulating gene expression and may enhance the immune response against cancer cells. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to develop new cancer therapies that leverage the body's immune system to target and kill cancer cells more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative cancer treatments that utilize the body's immune response to eliminate cancer cells.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using immune activation strategies to treat cancer, suggesting that this approach could be a valuable addition to existing therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Longworth, Michelle S — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Longworth, Michelle S
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.