How 'jumping genes' and cell proteins turn on interferon in epithelial cancers
Interplay between LINE-1 retrotransposons, condensins, and IFN
This research looks at how LINE‑1 'jumping genes' and cellular condensin proteins trigger interferon signals in epithelial cells, which could be used to kill cancer cells.
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 ID | NIH-11290333 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, scientists will work with human epithelial and cancer cells in the lab to see how LINE‑1 elements (a type of endogenous 'jumping gene') lead to interferon production and cell death. They will manipulate condensin proteins, including using CRISPR methods, to see how these proteins influence the interferon response after LINE‑1 activation. The team will measure retrotransposition, interferon signaling, and cell survival to map the pathway. The goal is to understand mechanisms that could be harnessed to prompt tumor cells to trigger their own destruction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with epithelial cancers (such as lung, colorectal, head and neck, or skin cancers) are the most likely to benefit from treatments developed from this work.
Not a fit: People without epithelial tumors, patients whose cancers lack LINE‑1 activity, or those seeking immediate clinical treatments should not expect direct benefit from this laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new cancer therapies that make tumor cells activate antiviral immune signals to help eliminate tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical work shows that activating endogenous retroelements can trigger anti‑tumor immune responses, but the specific involvement of condensin proteins in this pathway is a novel finding.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- 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
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 below.