Transposable elements are sequences of DNA derived from viruses and genetic parasites. At one stage, transposable elements were able to propagate throughout our genome. They now account for roughly half of our genetic material. Over evolutionary time, the vast majority of transposable elements have become immobile and no longer replicate. However, many remnant transposable element sequences have been co-opted into regulatory functions to fine-tune cellular gene expression. Because of their repetitive nature, co-option of transposable elements can serve as a means for coordinating expression from a network of genes involved in a given biological process.
We aim to identify transposable elements that drive transcriptional programs in preclinical models of solid tumours. We will identify and characterise the protein complexes that effect transposable element regulatory function. Further, we will modulate transposable element expression and investigate the effect on tumour progression and therapeutic outcomes.