Sandra Richardson

I am a Group Leader at Mater Research Institute, heading the Developmental Molecular Genetics Lab. My team investigates the dynamic interplay between mobile DNA sequences and mammalian genomes, with a primary focus on the retrotransposon Long Interspersed Element 1 (L1). L1 sequences are “selfish” genetic entities, which must insert new copies (retrotranspose) in the genomes of cells that will contribute to the next generation. This evolutionary drive sets up a perpetual conflict between L1 propagation and genome stability, which plays out in pluripotent embryonic cells as well as in cells of the developing germline. My ongoing research is focused on elucidating the developmental timing of heritable L1 retrotransposition, and understanding how L1 activity is controlled in these critical niches. I am interested in the capacity of L1 retrotransposition events to generate genetic diversity and drive genome evolution, as well as their contribution to somatic and germline genetic mosaicism and their potential to cause human genetic disease and reproductive dysfunction.