The T allele entailed reduced transcription in colorectal mucosa of both cases and controls and was associated with an elevated risk of MGMT-methylated colorectal cancer.16,36 Importantly, beyond serving as a marker of global DNA methylation, LINE-1 itself plays a significant role as a cancer driver, similar to other transposable elements (TE) such as Alu and HERVs.37,38 Comparing the expression levels of these elements between matched non-cancerous mucosa and tumor tissue would thus be highly informative. The gene discussed is MGMT; the disease is cancer.