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Transposable elements in hematopoietic stem cells upon aging and myeloid malignancies
Emilie Elvira-Matelot1, Françoise Porteu2
1Université Paris Saclay, Gustave Roussy, INSERM UMR1287 Hematopoietic stem cells and the development of myeloid malignancies, Villejuif, F-94805, France. emilie.elvira-matelot@inserm.fr.
Mobile DNA
|May 5, 2026
Summary
Transposable elements (TEs) impact hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology. Their controlled activity aids normal function, but dysregulation drives aging and leukemogenesis, offering therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Hematopoiesis
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Transposable elements (TEs) comprise a significant portion of the human genome.
- TEs play a critical role in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology.
- The influence of TEs on HSCs is context-dependent and multifaceted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual roles of TEs in HSC biology.
- To explore TE functions in steady-state hematopoiesis, stress, aging, and leukemogenesis.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of modulating TE activity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current evidence on TEs and HSCs.
- Analysis of TE roles in various physiological and pathological conditions.
- Discussion of mechanistic insights and clinical implications.
Main Results:
- TEs have beneficial roles under basal conditions via interferon signaling and gene regulation.
- Dysregulated TE activation impairs HSC self-renewal, genomic integrity, and promotes aging.
- TEs exhibit dual roles in leukemogenesis, activating oncogenes and triggering anti-tumoral responses.
Conclusions:
- TEs exert context-dependent beneficial and detrimental effects on HSCs.
- TEs are implicated in hematopoietic aging and leukemogenesis.
- Modulating TE activity presents therapeutic opportunities for myeloid malignancies.
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