11/02/2022
Key points: • Dr Teresa Rayon is the second group leader appointed across two strategic programmes; Epigenetics and Signalling. • Dr Rayon joins from the Francis Crick Institute where she was a postdoctoral researcher. • Dr Rayon and her team will investigate the molecular mechanisms that control developmental timing.
The Institute is excited to welcome Dr Teresa Rayon as the latest group leader to join the Institute. Dr Rayon will be jointly working across the Signalling and Epigenetics research programmes to further our understanding of developmental timing.
Dr Simon Cook, Interim director, said “I am delighted to welcome Teresa to the Institute. Her work has been key to understanding the precisely orchestrated timing of development and the impact that timing has on lifespan. Sitting across the Signalling and Epigenetics programmes, Teresa will be perfectly placed to bring together complementary elements of our research.”
“I am thrilled to be starting my research group at the Babraham Institute. The joint appointment offers a unique environment to develop our research and combine the strengths of the Epigenetics and Signalling programs. I am looking forward to performing the first experiments and use the amazing facilities at the Institute.” Tesesa commented.
Teresa’s previous research characterised the development of the human spinal cord using single-cell transcriptomics, identifying human specific elements but also showing that similarities with mouse cells confirm their use as a reasonable model for the field (Rayon et al. 2021). She has also uncovered links between protein stability and species-specific developmental timing (Rayon et al. 2020).
The Rayon lab will use flow cytometry, imaging, and genome-wide approaches to identify the molecular mechanisms behind the timing of development. Teresa will also investigate the possibility of using targeted manipulation of developmental processes to develop clinically relevant cell models with uses in human assisted reproduction and regenerative medicine.
Teresa received her PhD from the Spanish National Centre for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), where she studied lineage choices in the mammalian embryo. She joined Dr James Briscoe’s lab at the Francis Crick Institute in January 2016 supported by an EMBO postdoctoral fellowship. During this time Teresa investigated neural tube fate choices from single precursors and differences in transcriptional regulation between species. Earlier this year, Teresa received funding from the European Research Council to understand the molecular and metabolic mechanisms that control developmental timing.
Press contact Honor Pollard, Communications Officer, honor.pollard@babraham.ac.uk
Image description: In vitro stem cell models
Additional/related resources: Teresa’s group page News, 3rd February 2022, Dr Della David appointed new group leader in the Signalling research programme News, 10th January 2022, Dr Sophie Trefely joins the Institute as new group leader News, 1st December 2021, Dr Philipp Voigt joins Epigenetics research programme News, 5th July 2021, Welcoming Dr Ian McGough to the Signalling research programme
About the Babraham Institute The Babraham Institute undertakes world-class life sciences research to generate new knowledge of biological mechanisms underpinning ageing, development and the maintenance of health. Our research focuses on cellular signalling, gene regulation and the impact of epigenetic regulation at different stages of life. By determining how the body reacts to dietary and environmental stimuli and manages microbial and viral interactions, we aim to improve wellbeing and support healthier ageing. The Institute is strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, through Institute Strategic Programme Grants and an Institute Core Capability Grant and also receives funding from other UK research councils, charitable foundations, the EU and medical charities.
About BBSRC The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid from the UK government.
BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond.
Funded by government, BBSRC invested £451 million in world-class bioscience in 2019-20. We support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. BBSRC research and the people we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
11 February 2022