John Moran

Our research focuses on a class of human 'jumping genes' known as Long Interspersed Element-1 sequences (LINE-1s). LINE-1s comprise ~17% of human DNA. The vast majority of LINE-1s are mutated and are no longer mobile; however, ~100 elements in the average human genome retain the ability to 'jump'. On occasion, deleterious 'jumps' can result in various genetic diseases, including Hemophilia A, muscular dystrophy, and colon cancer. My laboratory is interested in learning more about the biology of LINE-1s. Using genetic, molecular biological and biochemical approaches, we are addressing the following questions: 1) How, when, and where do LINE-1s 'jump' 2) What is the impact of LINE-1 'jumping' on the human genome? 3) What host factors promote or restrict LINE-1 mobility? 4) Can we engineer LINE-1 sequences for practical purposes (e.g., as a gene delivery vector)? Our long-term goal is to gain a better understanding about how LINE-1 jumping leads to human disease and how this process has influenced the evolution of our genome.