Name: Nicola K Gray

Position: Professor

Research Description:

Genes must be regulated to ensure that they are expressed at the right time and place and in the correct amounts. Failure in this process can lead to disease. Genes can be regulated at multiple steps including at the level of mRNA translation, the final step in producing proteins. Work in recent years has revealed that the mis-regulation of mRNA translation is important in the aetiology of a wide range of human diseases including reproductive, neurological and metabolic disorders. Our work examines how mRNAs are regulated at the level of translation and the consequences of their mis-regulation. Current projects in the laboratory investigate translational control events that contribute to reproductive health with a focus towards understanding normal and dysfunctional gametogenesis and early development.  This is complemented by our work on host-viral interactions, since studying the mechanisms employed by viruses to subvert the host cell machinery has revealed many of the ways in which cells normally regulate protein production.

Current research projects
-Translational control by the multi-functional Herpes Simplex Virus 1 protein, ICP27.

-Translational regulation in germ cells, the DAZL family of RNA-binding proteins

-Contribution of the poly(A)-binding protein family, central post-transcriptional regulators, to human reproductive health.

Lab Memberships

Gray Lab (Principal Investigator/Director)

Contact Information

Address:
Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health,
Queen’s Medical Research Institute
and Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit
University of Edinburgh,
Edinburgh
United Kingdom

Web Page: https://www.ed.ac.uk/centre-reproductive-health/professor-nicola-gray