Addressing genome instability and retrotransposon activation

Mobile genetic elements (MGE), such as retrotransposons, make up 42% of the human genome. hey multiply by integrating into new areas of host genome and cause many negative effects for health and reproduction. Even though the organisms use powerful mechanisms to suppress the activity of MGE, transposons gradually go out of control due to aging. Increase in MGE activity causes genomic instability and is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation and a decrease in life expectancy.

We aim to search for targets surrounding retrotransposons’ activity, creating a platform for future target validation and potential treatment development to decrease innate immunity response to retrotransposon activation.