# Mapping Somatic TE-derived Transcriptional Diversity

> **NIH NIH K01** · RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP · 2022 · $131,489

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Nearly half of the human genome is derived from transposable elements (TEs) -- mobile genetic elements that
replicate and insert copies of themselves throughout the genome. Each individual has a unique signature of TE
insertions comprised of inherited germline insertions and acquired somatic insertions. This signature is a major
source of genetic variation both between individuals and within an individual. TEs have the potential to alter the
transcriptome in a variety of ways, but the extent of intra-individual TE-derived transcriptional diversity is
unknown. Detecting the transcriptional effects of somatic transposition has historically been challenging 
given the rarity of each insertion event on a per cell basis. New methods are finally enabling simultaneous interrogation
of genome and transcriptome from a single cell, making it possible to detect both germline polymorphic and
somatic transposition events and directly probe their consequences. This proposal will leverage single cell multi-
omics technology to map somatic TE-derived transcriptional and functional diversity in the brain. Understanding
the functional impact of somatic TE activity will ultimately contribute to our understanding of individual variation
underlying complex disease processes. The training aspect of this project will support the applicant’s career goal
to lead a translational research group that investigates the functional effects of somatic variation on human
disease processes. Training in single-cell genomics is essential to probe the influence of rare somatic mutations
in the brain. The proposal will build upon the applicant’s previous experience with experimental biology and
molecular neuroscience while supporting critical training in bioinformatics and computational genomics.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10386858
- **Project number:** 5K01HG011062-03
- **Recipient organization:** RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP
- **Principal Investigator:** Tracy Ann Bedrosian
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $131,489
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-05-01 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10386858

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10386858, Mapping Somatic TE-derived Transcriptional Diversity (5K01HG011062-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10386858. Licensed CC0.

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