The Role of Retrotransposons in mammalian preimplantation embryo development
Lin He, Professor
Molecular and Cell Biology
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Throughout evolution, ancient foreign nucleic acid sequences have infected and spread across the genomes of nearly all organisms. Approximately 40% of the mammalian genome originates from mobile elements known as retrotransposons, which hijack the host's cellular machinery to replicate and integrate into the host genome via RNA intermediates. In most cases, retrotransposons are silenced and have long been labeled as "junk DNA." However, transient and potent retrotransposon activation has been reported in specific developmental and pathological contexts, such as preimplantation development, germ cell development, immune response, aging, and cancer. We hypothesize that specific functions of these retrotransposons may have been domesticated for these processes, particularly in the preimplantation development of the mouse embryo. Here, we plan to identify the domesticated functions of retrotransposons in mouse preimplantation development.
Role: We plan to utilize embryology, genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry methods to identify the function of retrotransposons. Through these experiments, the research supervisor will train the undergraduate to develop scientific thinking and master essential techniques. As a result, the undergraduate will acquire skills valuable for their future academic career and contribute meaningfully to the supervisor's projects.
Qualifications: Requirements:
1. Highly motivated.
2. Passionate about science with a clear plan to pursue an academic career.
3. Willing to perform wet lab experiments.
4. Committed to dedicating a minimum of 15 hours per week in the lab.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Bo He, Post-Doc
Hours: 12 or more hours
Biological & Health Sciences