Understanding LINE-1 RNA and how it moves through our cells
Official title: Revealing and Live Imaging the LINE-1-RNA Intractome
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11511168 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how the LINE-1 retrotransposon behaves in human cells and how it may affect cancer and other diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $208,665 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM156712-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11511168 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancers or genetic conditions linked to LINE-1 activity or genome instability may ultimately benefit from this research.
✕Less likely to help
There may be no direct benefit to participants in this basic science project beyond contributing to scientific knowledge.
What this research studies
LINE-1 is a genetic element that can copy itself and insert into new places in the genome. The project studies the two LINE-1 proteins and how they interact with the RNA to drive movement, as well as the cellular factors that usually keep LINE-1 in check. Researchers will explore how LINE-1 activity influences cell signaling and potentially contributes to disease in humans. The work combines molecular biology and imaging approaches to visualize LINE-1 activity in cells and tissues. If successful, the findings could clarify how LINE-1 relates to cancer and other conditions linked to genome instability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of LINE-1 could lead to new strategies to prevent or treat diseases tied to genome instability and abnormal cell signaling.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown LINE-1 activity is linked to genome instability and disease, suggesting potential relevance but with ongoing questions about mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Martin S — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Martin S
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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.