Investigating how B cells manage harmful genetic elements to protect their DNA
Official title: RNA Decay of LINE-1 Retrotransposons as a New Mechanism to Maintain B Cell Genome Integrity
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10902832 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of immune cell called B cells keeps their DNA safe from certain genetic elements that can cause problems, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how our bodies protect themselves from diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $50,414 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AI179182-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10902832 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune conditions or B cell-related cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without B cell-related conditions or those not affected by genome instability may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how B cells, a type of immune cell, maintain the integrity of their DNA by managing the activity of Long INterspersed Element-1 (LINE-1) retrotransposons. These genetic elements can disrupt normal gene function and contribute to diseases. The study will explore the role of an RNA processing complex in degrading LINE-1 RNA, which may help prevent potential damage to the genome. By using laboratory techniques, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that B cells use to control these harmful elements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing genome instability in B cells, which may improve treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the regulation of retrotransposons, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lauring, Max Chen — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Lauring, Max Chen
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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.