Besides the initiation of insertion, we could also determine the #cryoEM structure of another biochemical intermediate where the first strand synthesis and second strand nicking has completed (4/n)

The expanded zinc finger array within these new R2s covers the upstream target site entirely to enable more precise junction formation (3/n)

We identified features of the avian R2 retrotransposons that we previously identified and a newly identified element from a turtle genome that support transgene insertion (2/n)

Vertebrate retrotransposons are the future of gene therapy. But how do they insert their genes? 🔥🔥

Thrilled to share our new work now published with Kathy Collins, @nogaleslab.bsky.social @berkeleymcb.bsky.social where we investigate this with #cryoEM & biochemistry in 🧪 and cells! #RNAsky #TEsky