Understanding how 'jumping genes' in our DNA affect human 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-11132597 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how certain 'jumping genes' in human DNA, called L1 retrotransposons, change and move, and how these changes might lead to diseases like autoimmune conditions and cancers.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $460,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM142773-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132597 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation, but future clinical applications may benefit individuals with autoimmune diseases or certain cancers linked to genetic instability.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science research.
What this research studies
Our bodies contain 'jumping genes' called L1 retrotransposons that can move around in our DNA, sometimes causing new mutations. These mutations can lead to problems with our genes and contribute to various illnesses. This project aims to understand if these L1 genes have found ways to get around our body's natural defenses, and what happens to our health when they do. Researchers will look at a wide variety of human L1 genes to see how their changes impact their ability to replicate and cause issues. By combining studies of past genetic changes with new experiments, we hope to uncover the mechanisms behind L1 evasion and its health consequences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of how genetic mutations contribute to autoimmune diseases and cancers, potentially opening doors for new ways to prevent or treat these conditions.
How similar studies have gone: The research builds upon the team's previous discoveries regarding the rapid evolution of factors that restrict L1 activity, suggesting a foundation of prior success in this area.
Where this research is happening
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Pacific Northwest Research Institute
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mclaughlin, Richard Noel — Pacific Northwest Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Mclaughlin, Richard Noel
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.