Human long interspersed elements 1 (LINE-1 or L1) is the only autonomous non-LTR retroelement in humans and has been associated with genome instability, inherited genetic diseases, and the development of cancer.  Certain human APOBEC3 family proteins are known to have LINE-1 restriction activity.  Our group focuses on exploring the mechanisms of APOBEC3 family proteins on LINE-1 restriction.  Some of A3 proteins interact with LINE-1 ORF1p to target LINE-1 ribonucleoprotein particles in an RNA-dependent manner and further Inhibit the LINE-1 reverse transcriptase activity. 

Figure Inhibitory effect of A3B and A3DE on LINE-1 mobility. The A3B- or A3DE-expressing vector was co-transfected with L1_RP-EGFP, and flow cytometry was used to detect the EGFP-positive cells. Representative flow cytometry dot diagrams for A3B and A3DE in LINE-1 restriction. The percentage of EGFP-positive events is shown in the upper right corner of each panel.