How genetic elements affect genome evolution and health

How transposable elements drive genome evolution through epigenetic mechanisms

NIH-funded research University of California-Irvine · NIH-10874688

This study is looking at how certain moving pieces of our DNA, called transposable elements, can affect our genes and potentially lead to inherited disorders and cancers, helping us understand their role in our health and evolution.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California-Irvine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Irvine, United States)
Project IDNIH-10874688 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of transposable elements (TEs), which are genetic sequences that can move within the genome, in influencing genome evolution and health. It focuses on understanding how these elements can cause inherited disorders and cancers by affecting gene function and genome structure through epigenetic mechanisms. The study employs advanced genomic techniques to analyze the impact of TEs on the three-dimensional organization of the genome and their biochemical effects on neighboring genes. By exploring these relationships, the research aims to uncover the evolutionary forces driving TE variation and its implications for human health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with inherited disorders or cancers that may be linked to transposable elements.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to genetic variations or transposable elements may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the genetic causes of diseases, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment options for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding transposable elements can lead to significant advancements in genetics and disease treatment, indicating a promising avenue for this study.

Where this research is happening

Irvine, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast CancerCancersColon CancerDisease
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.