Understanding how genetic variations in human L1 retrotransposons affect health
Official title: Leveraging natural and directed evolution to dissect the functional consequences of sequence variation in human L1 retrotransposons
Funded at Pacific Northwest Research Institute · NIH-11097399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain pieces of DNA, called L1 retrotransposons, can change and affect our health, especially in relation to autoimmune diseases and cancers, to help us understand how they might escape the body's defenses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pacific Northwest Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $109,451 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM142773-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097399 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with autoimmune diseases or genetic disorders linked to genome instability.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to genetic mutations or those not affected by autoimmune diseases may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of L1 retrotransposons, which are segments of DNA that can replicate and insert themselves into new locations in the genome. By examining how variations in these elements influence their ability to evade the body's defense mechanisms, the study aims to uncover the potential health impacts of these genetic changes. The research employs a combination of retrospective genome analyses and prospective experimental approaches to explore the evolutionary dynamics of L1s and their implications for genetic diseases. Patients may benefit from insights into how these genetic factors contribute to conditions like autoimmune diseases and cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of genetic factors that contribute to various diseases, potentially informing new treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding the role of transposable elements in genetic diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Pacific Northwest Research Institute
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mclaughlin, Richard Noel — Pacific Northwest Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Mclaughlin, Richard Noel
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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.