LINE‑1 and interferon‑positive lupus
Role of the L1 retrotransposon in interferon-positive SLE
This project looks at whether a genetic element called LINE‑1 drives harmful interferon activity in people with lupus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308246 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will test blood samples from people with systemic lupus erythematosus to measure LINE‑1 activity and antibodies against the LINE‑1 protein ORF1p. They will identify which blood cells (especially neutrophils and low‑density granulocytes) express LINE‑1 and show signs of releasing DNA that can trigger interferon. Using RNA‑seq and related lab methods, they will link LINE‑1 signals and antibody levels to clinical features such as nephritis and overall disease activity. The team aims to explain how LINE‑1 could cause or amplify the interferon‑positive form of lupus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, particularly those with high interferon signatures or active disease such as nephritis.
Not a fit: People without lupus or with lupus that does not show an interferon‑positive signature or LINE‑1/ORF1p autoantibodies are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatment targets that reduce interferon‑driven lupus without broadly suppressing the immune system.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked endogenous retroelements and interferon to lupus, but focusing on LINE‑1 ORF1p biology and its direct role in human lupus is a relatively new and developing approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mustelin, Tomas M — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Mustelin, Tomas M
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.