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Updated: Sep 11, 2025

Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level
Published on: April 23, 2016
STING inhibits LINE-1 retrotransposition through sorting ORF1p to lysosomes for degradation
Yu Huang1,2, Fengwen Xu1,2, Lingwa Wang3
1Key Laboratory of Pathogen Infection Prevention and Control (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China.
Abstract:
The cyclic dinucleotide sensor stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING) is known for its critical role in interferon and inflammatory responses. In addition, STING also has functions independent of interferon induction. In this study, we report that STING restricts the mobilization of the cellular retrotransposon long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) independent of cGAS and interferon induction. LINE-1 is the only active autonomous retrotransposable element in the human genome and its transposition can cause genetic and autoimmune diseases. STING inhibition of LINE-1 requires its dimerization. Mechanistically, STING interacts with LINE-1 ORF1p, then the complex translocates to the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) and the Golgi followed by sorting to Rab7-positive lysosomes for degradation. Our data unveil a function of STING in maintaining host genome integrity by restricting LINE-1 retrotransposition via an IFN-independent mechanism.
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