Helen Rowe

Dr. Helen Rowe is a Senior Lecturer in Epigenetics at the Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London. She leads a research group studying the interplay between epigenetic regulation of transposable elements and immune system function in cancer and autoimmune diseases.

• Education: BSc in Virology (Warwick University), PhD in Cancer Vaccines (University College London)
• Current Affiliations: Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute (Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry)

Research Focus: Dr. Rowe investigates how epigenetic pathways (KRAB-zinc finger proteins, HUSH complex, TRIM28) regulate transposable elements (LINE-1s, endogenous retroviruses) and their impact on inflammation in cancer and autoimmunity. Her work has uncovered roles for these complexes in type I interferon responses and immune gene regulation.

Significant Discoveries: 1) HUSH complex suppresses LINE-1 elements to control interferon responses; 2) KAP1/TRIM28 modulates immune response genes in adult cells; 3) TRIM28 and HUSH complex represent distinct pathways for transposon silencing; 4) Deregulated retroelements contribute to cancer immune evasion and autoinflammatory disease.

Scientific Contributions:

• 2023: Co-option of retroviruses via TRIM28 escape
• 2022: Chromosome barcoding through satellite DNA
• 2020: HUSH complex as interferon gatekeeper
• 2018: KAP1-ERV-IFN axis in adult cells
• 2016: KRAB-ZFP control of tissue-specific gene networks
• 2013: TRIM28 role in embryonic stem cell dynamics

Funding & Awards:

• 2024: Cancer Research UK Programme Foundation Award
• 2020: Rosetrees Trust & Robert Luff Foundation Grant
• 2016-2022: European Research Council Starting Grant
• 2013-2020: Sir Henry Dale Fellowship (Wellcome Trust/Royal Society)

Current Lab Members: Emma Welsh (Postdoctoral Fellow), Jorn Stok (Postdoctoral Fellow), Holly Jefferson (PhD Student), James Holt (Postdoctoral Fellow), Alistair Symonds (Postdoctoral Fellow).