Martin Turner

Research Summary

The molecular processes which control the development and function of lymphocytes have been extensively studied from the perspective of cell surface receptors and their associated intracellular signalling.

Also, many transcription factors which repress or promote the production of mRNA have been identified as being essential for lymphocyte development and activation.  These studies have revealed that genes, molecules and pathways that are used early in the development of lymphocytes are re-used in fully mature cells as part of the response to infection.

We are developing tools for measuring gene expression in rare cell populations.  We also use genome wide approaches to study RNA turnover and translation and to identify the targets of RNA binding proteins.

We aim to characterise fundamental mechanisms controlling lymphocyte development and function throughout the life-course.  These include understanding the roles of RNA binding proteins in lymphocyte development and activation. 

In the future explaining how these are integrated with signal transduction pathways, microRNA and transcription factor networks will be an important step towards a systems level understanding of immunity.

Key Publications on Current Work

A functional screen of RNA binding proteins identifies genes that promote or limit the accumulation of CD138+ plasma cells

Turner DJ, Saveliev A, Salerno F, Matheson LS, Screen M, Lawson H, Wotherspoon D, Kranc KR, Turner M
ELIFE, 2022
PMID: 35451955

The timing of differentiation and potency of CD8 effector function is set by RNA binding proteins.

Petkau G, Mitchell TJ, Chakraborty K, Bell SE, D'Angeli V, Matheson L, Turner DJ, Saveliev A, Gizlenci O, Salerno F, Katsikis PD, Turner M
Nature Communications, 2022
PMID: 35477960

Efficient homing of antibody-secreting cells to the bone marrow requires RNA-binding protein ZFP36L1

Saveliev A, Bell SE, Turner M
The Journal of experimental medicine, 2021
PMID: 33306108

The RNA-binding protein PTBP1 is necessary for B cell selection in germinal centres

Monzón-Casanova E, Screen M, Díaz-Muñoz MD, Coulson RMR, Bell SE, Lamers G, Solimena M, Smith CWJ, Turner M
Nature Immunology, 2018
PMID: 29358707

RNA-binding proteins control gene expression and cell fate in the immune system

Turner M, Díaz-Muñoz MD
Nature Immunology, 2018
PMID: 29348497