Understanding how ancient viral elements affect development and disease.
Official title: Defining developmentally regulated retroelement-based mechanisms to better understand and treat their dysregulation in disease.
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11140453 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how old viral pieces in our DNA might affect how we grow and develop, and how they could be linked to diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders, so we can better understand their impact on health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $406,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155075-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140453 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autoimmune diseases or cancers, particularly those under 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to retroelement dysregulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of retroelements, which are ancient viral sequences in our DNA, in human development and disease. By examining how these elements are regulated during early embryonic stages, the study aims to uncover their potential benefits and risks. The approach includes advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression patterns. Patients may gain insights into how these mechanisms could influence conditions such as cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating diseases linked to the dysregulation of retroelements.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of retroelements in development, suggesting potential for breakthroughs in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Modzelewski, Andrew Joseph — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Modzelewski, Andrew Joseph
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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.