Structure of LINE-1 Reverse Transcriptase

The human genome contains approximately half a million copies of a virus-like element known as LINE-1. In certain disease states, LINE-1 escapes repression and generates RNA molecules that migrate to the cytosol, encoding proteins that can transfer LINE-1 RNA back to the nucleus. Where, through reverse transcription, they can create and insert a new LINE-1 DNA copy into the genome, causing mutations and damage. Reverse transcription also happens in the cytoplasm, where it creates RNA:DNA hybrids -- aberrant products, which can trigger inflammation. The detailed structure of the LINE-1 reverse transcriptase enables development of specific inhibitors that may become effective therapies for autoimmune diseases, cancer, neurodegeneration, and other : Baldwin et al., doi: