How mobile 'jumping genes' change gene switches in cancer and immunity
Transposon-mediated rewiring of gene regulatory networks
This work will learn how mobile 'jumping genes' alter gene activity in cancer and immune cells to help guide future diagnostics and treatments for patients.
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-11337522 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will look for pieces of DNA called transposable elements (TEs) that create new versions of genes by reading long RNA sequences from cells and tissues. They will compare these TE-derived gene forms across species and between people to see which ones are common or linked to disease. In cells, they will use CRISPR-based screens and lab experiments to turn these elements on or off and watch what happens to cell behavior. Computer analysis using updated genome maps will help match these findings to individual genetic differences.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer or immune-related conditions who can provide tissue or blood samples or join genomic research studies would be most relevant for follow-up or related participation.
Not a fit: People without cancer or immune conditions, or those unwilling to provide genetic samples, are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal previously hidden gene changes that drive cancer or immune problems and point to new markers or targets for diagnosis and therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows transposable elements can influence gene regulation, but combining long-read RNA sequencing, genome graph approaches, and CRISPR functional tests to link them to disease is relatively new.
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.