Altering Genomic Integrity: Heavy Metal Exposure Promotes Transposable Element-Mediated Damage
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Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Measuring DNA Damage and Repair in Mouse Splenocytes After Chronic In Vivo Exposure to Very Low Doses of Beta- and Gamma-Radiation
Published on: July 3, 2015
Maria E Morales1, Geraldine Servant, Catherine Ade
1Department of Epidemiology and Tulane Cancer Center, SL-66, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
Abstract:
Maintenance of genomic integrity is critical for cellular homeostasis and survival. The active transposable elements (TEs) composed primarily of three mobile element lineages LINE-1, Alu, and SVA comprise approximately 30% of the mass of the human genome. For the past 2 decades, studies have shown that TEs significantly contribute to genetic instability and that TE-caused damages are associated with genetic diseases and cancer. Different environmental exposures, including several heavy metals, influence how TEs interact with its host genome increasing their negative impact. This mini-review provides some basic knowledge on TEs, their contribution to disease, and an overview of the current knowledge on how heavy metals influence TE-mediated damage.
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