The Role of mobile DNA elements in mammalian preimplantation embryo
Lin He, Professor
Molecular and Cell Biology
Applications for Spring 2025 are closed for this project.
Transposable elements (TEs) are DNA sequences capable of “moving” (transpose) within a genome. RNA transposons (retrotransposon) use RNA intermediate and a “copy and paste” mechanism to transpose. Retrotransposons, with their “copy and paste” mechanism, have accumulated and become abundant in our genome, comprising ~38% of the human and mouse genome (compared to ~1% of protein coding genes). While abundant, most of them are silenced or inactivated, leading many to believe that they are useless and labeling them as “junk DNA”. However, from conferring cancer resistance in mole rats to memory plasticity in humans, emerging studies, including ours, have shown that a small subset of transposable elements are not only active but essential.
In this project, we are interested in MERVL (murine endogenous retrovirus), a family of retrotransposons in mice. MERVL expression is generally restricted to mouse preimplantation embryos, a stage in which epigenetic reprogramming occurs, erasing all epigenetic markers and allowing silenced genes to “come back to life”. While not much is known about MERVL, MERVL is one of the highliest expressed genes during this stage, and has been shown to contribute to mouse embryonic stem cell plasticity. In our analysis, we have observed interesting localization in the mouse embryo that could help us elucidate the role of MERVL in mouse development. Our preliminary studies, as well as others, have shown that disruption of MERVL can cause a disruption of mouse embryo development.
Qualifications: Using imaging techniques and biochemical approaches, we aim to further understand the mechanism and function of MERVL in mouse preimplantation embryos and development by looking at its behavior and interactions through the development of the mouse embryo. This project would involve: (1) mouse handling and embryo collection (2) fluorescent imaging of MERVL and other organelles (3) molecular techniques such as cloning, PCR and in vitro transcription, (4) immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation
We are looking for a curious, highly motivated students with good communications skills, accountability and, enjoys learning in a group environment.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Haruna Yamashiro, Post-Doc
Hours: 12 or more hours
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Biological & Health Sciences