Gray group

How mRNAs are regulated at the level of translation and the consequences of their mis-regulation

Professor Nicola Gray

Principal investigator

Contact details

Address

The Centre for Reproductive Health
Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR)
4-5 Little France Drive
Edinburgh BioQuarter
Edinburgh
EH16 4UU

Research Interests

Genes embedded in our DNA must be exquisitely regulated to ensure that they produce the right proteins at the right time and place and in the correct amounts. As this critical for both cell and tissue function, failures in this process can lead to disease. The regulation of gene expression can happen at the initial stage where the DNA is copied (or transcribed) into an intermediate known as RNA, or at subsequent “post-transcriptional” stages including messenger RNA (mRNA) splicing, mRNA translation and mRNA turnover. Work in recent years has revealed that the mis-regulation of mRNA translation, the final step in producing proteins from mRNAs, is important in the aetiology of a wide range of human diseases including reproductive, neurological and metabolic disorders. RNA-binding proteins are a large class of functionally related proteins that play a key role in post-transcriptional control, including mRNA translation. Our work primarily examines how the translation of individual mRNAs are regulated by RNA-binding proteins, and the consequences of mis-regulation for life and life-long health. 

By exploring these questions using a variety of in vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo approaches we aim to shed light on the fundamental rules of life, as well as the molecular basis of human disease. 

Current research projects

Infertility

Recent work has revealed novel functions of RNA-binding proteins during oocyte maturation and the impact of patient-derived mutations on RNA-binding protein function. 

Stillbirth and IUGR

By knocking-out an RNA-binding protein we have developed, and are exploiting, a unique mouse model that enables us to explore the basis of maternal causes of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and stillbirth. 

Cardiovascular dysfunction

We are exploring how RNA-binding protein dysfunction in mice results in sexually dimorphic effects on cardiovascular function and health in young adults. 

Diet-induced obesity

Our work has uncovered that loss of function of an RNA-binding protein protects male mice from the effects of a high-fat diet such as obesity and insulin-resistance.  

Funders

Work in the lab has benefited from generous funding from:

  • Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
  • Medical Research Council (MRC)
  • Marie-Curie
  • Tommy’s
  • Wellcome Trust 
  • Association of International Cancer Researchers (AICR)
  • Beit-Memorial fund

Current group members

Mathias Lorbeer, Post-doc

Triin Ounapuu, PhD student

Nadia Patel, PhD student

Danie Oberpriller, MSc student

Selected internal roles within CRH

Lead Albert McKern PhD Program (2024-)

Director MSc In Reproductive Science (2021-24). 

Chair of CRH committee, which oversees the training of PhD and MD students (2014-24)

Selected external Roles

BBSRC, Member Appointments Assurance Committee (2024-)

BBSRC, Member Appointments Board (2022-24)

BBSRC, Member Strategic Advisory Panel (2018-22)

BBSRC, Member, sLOLA Committee (2018-22)

BBSRC, Chair, Responsive Mode Committee C (2018-22)

BBSRC, Deputy Chair, Responsive Mode Committee C (2016-17)

BBSRC, Core member Responsive Mode Committee (2015-16)

Biochemical Society Council of Trustees, Honorary Membership Secretary, Finance committee and Chair Travel Awards Panel (2014-18)

Biochemical Society, Member of Council, Member of Travel Awards Panel, Member of Meetings Board, Chair of Genes Theme Panel (2009-14)

Biochemical Society, Member of Genes Theme Panel (2006-09) 

Selected Editorial and Advisory Boards

Federation of European Biochemists (FEBS) Publication Committee (2025-)

FEBS Letts, Editorial Board (2019-).

The Biochemist, Editorial Board (2014-17).

Translation, Editorial Board (2013-18).

Bioscience Reports, Editorial Board (2012-).

Biochemical Society Transactions, Editorial Board (2009-14).

Biology of the Cell, Associate Editor (2008-16).

Biology of the Cell, Editorial Panel (2006-08).

Biochemical Journal, Editorial Advisory Panel (2006-16)

 

Accepting PhD students and willing to support the applications of talented post-docs whom wish to apply for a Fellowship to join the lab. 

 

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