How LINE‑1 genetic activity affects the immune response in ovarian cancer

Immunological consequences of LINE-1 expression in cancer

NIH-funded research George Washington University · NIH-11301906

This work looks at whether activity of LINE‑1 genetic elements in high‑grade serous ovarian cancer changes immune signals and could point to new treatment ideas for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorge Washington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Washington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11301906 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers are examining how LINE‑1, a piece of DNA that can become active in cells, is turned on in ovarian tumors that nearly always have TP53 (p53) mutations. They will use tumor tissue, cancer cell models, and molecular analyses to measure LINE‑1 expression, DNA replication effects, and resulting innate immune signaling. The team will compare cells with and without p53 function to see how LINE‑1 activity influences tumor biology and immune visibility, aiming to identify targets that could make tumors more treatable.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with high‑grade serous ovarian cancer—particularly those whose tumors carry TP53 (p53) mutations—are the most relevant candidates for this research.

Not a fit: Patients with unrelated cancers, noncancer conditions, or tumors that do not show LINE‑1 activation are less likely to receive direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to boost the immune response against ovarian tumors and lead to therapies that improve survival.

How similar studies have performed: Some prior studies show that turning on transposable elements can trigger innate immune signals in cancers, but focusing on LINE‑1 in high‑grade serous ovarian cancer and its link to p53 loss is a relatively new direction.

Where this research is happening

Washington, 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 Burn injuryCancer Suppressor GenesCancer cell line
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.