How mobile DNA pieces reshape gene control in cancer and immunity
Transposon-mediated rewiring of gene regulatory networks
Researchers are looking at whether bits of mobile DNA called transposons change how genes are switched on and off in cancers and the immune system, which could matter for patients with cancer or immune disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11511002 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses large-scale DNA and RNA sequencing plus computer analyses to find instances where transposons alter gene activity across species and between individuals. The team will use long-read RNA sequencing to capture full-length transcripts that include transposon-derived pieces and apply genome-graph methods to map variable regions more accurately. Promising candidates will be followed up in the lab with experiments (including CRISPR-based tests) to see if the transposon-linked changes affect cell behavior. The work focuses on links to immunity and cancer-related gene networks to highlight changes that could be relevant to human disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with cancer or immune-related conditions, or volunteers willing to provide blood or tissue samples and genomic data for research.
Not a fit: People without relevant cancers or immune conditions, or those seeking immediate clinical treatments rather than research samples or data, are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new gene switches involved in cancer or immune disease that point to better diagnostics or future treatment targets.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown transposons can influence gene regulation in some cases, but their role in human disease remains uncertain, so this work applies newer sequencing and experimental tools to clarify their impact.
Where this research is happening
Boulder, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado — Boulder, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chuong, Edward Bo-Yi — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Chuong, Edward Bo-Yi
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.