Overview

Lorna Harries is Professor of Molecular Genetics at the University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health. She gained her PhD in Genetics from University College London in November 1994 and now leads the RNA-mediated disease mechanisms group at the University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health. Her group has interests in alternative messenger RNA processing, non-coding RNA and epigenetic gene regulation in the context of ageing and chronic disease. 

Professor Lorna Harries holds a personal chair in molecular genetics at the University of Exeter Medical School, where she leads the RNA-mediated disease mechanisms group, and a position as Co-Founder, director and Chief Scientific Officer for SENISCA (www.senisca.com), a senotherapeutics spin out company built on research form the Harries team.  Lorna has interests in omics approaches to the study of human ageing and age-related disease processes in man, and her work ranges from ‘big data’ analyses to detailed individual molecular analysis of particular genes. Her team were the first to report dysregulation of alternative splicing as a new, and druggable, hallmark of ageing. 

Qualifications

• BSc Genetics
• PhD Genetics
• FHEA

Links

• Team website

Research group links

• Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science
• Diabetes, cardiovascular risk and ageing

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Research

Research interests

My current research focuses on the discovery of novel drug targets for age-related disease. I am evaluating novel small molecule and genetic interventions for moderation of splicing regulators and patterns of alternative splicing for efficacy as future anti-degenerative drugs. My group were the first to report dysregulation of splicing regulators in association with ageing and longevity in human populations (PMID 21668623), in human models of cellular ageing (PMID 23747814) and in animal models (PMID 27363602). We were also the first group to show that cellular senescence was reversible in these systems by targeting splicing regulation in multiple cell types (PMIDs 29041897, 30088951 and 30026406). My group takes an interdisciplinary approach which ranges from molecular epidemiology in human populations, to detailed molecular dissection of specific pathways in cell and animal models. Our discoveries pinpoint dysregulation of alternative splicing as a new ‘hallmark of ageing’; and the first novel driver of cellular ageing to be discovered in the last 2 decades. This work has formed the basis of a spin out company (SENISCA), for which I am co-founder, co-director and CSO, and a published patent for novel anti-degenerative therapies to exploit this space for the generation of new drugs to target age-related disease. 

I also have wider interests in functional omics approaches to address effects of genetics and environment on gene expression and regulation in the context of human disease. Notable outputs in this arena include definition of the first genotype:phenotype relationship in monogenic diabetes (PMIDs 16760222; 18356407), provision of the first expression profiles for type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes identified through GWAS (PMIDs 17463249 and 17434869), the initial description and characterisation of a novel isoform of a gene under the top genome wide association study (GWAS) hit for type 2 diabetes TCF7L2 (PMID 21913056), the demonstration of pervasive disruption to mRNA levels brought about by genotype at SNPs associated with type 2 diabetes (PMID 25392243) and the demonstration that relationships between genetic variation and function may not be clear cut (PMID 25634229).  

Finally, I have a long standing interest in engaged research. In this capacity, I coordinated a Wellcome Trust funded Engaged Research study with local students to design, implement and undertake the largest intervention study for avoidance of the endocrine disrupter chemical BPA in the population demographic with the highest exposure. This work demonstrated that it is currently impossible to moderate your own exposure to this chemical using a ‘real world’ avoidance diet and furthermore, even if it had been possible to do so, effects on lifestyle would be so large as to make people very unlikely to do so long term. This work has yielded 2 publications for the student participants (PMID 29431133 and pending PMID number), precipitated a Change petition, widespread media coverage and citation in a motion to abolish single use plastics to Taunton Deane Borough council and forms the basis of an impact case for Ref 2021. 

Research projects

• Determinants of beta cell differentiation status in type 2 diabetes.
• The role of age-associated inflammation on moderation of alternative splicing and its impact on age-related disease.
• Messenger RNA analysis of genes implicated in susceptibility to type 2 diabetes.
• Mechanistic study of disrupted alternative splicing in human ageing
• Analysis of the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (BPA, Perfluoroalkyl chemicals) on gene expression and human disease.

Grants/Funding

Current funding

• MRC Confidence in Concept – A roadmap towards commercialisation of novel senotherapeutic technologies. Non diluting grant to SENISCA. £64358. (2020-2021) 
• Innovate UK – Developing treatments to turn back the cellular clock. Non-diluting grant to SENISCA. £240000. (2021 – 2022). 
• Seed round for SENISCA. Lorna Harries (PI) £1.3M (2021 – to present). 
• MRC Research Grant – Chris Scotton, Michael Gibbons, MTT Whiteman, Mark Wood, Lorna W. Harries (Co-I). Exploration of mitochondrial-targeted hydrogen sulfide donors as novel therapeutics for fibroproliferative lung disease. £646019 (2020 – 2023). 
• Animal Free Research UK – Lorna W. Harries (PI). VALID study Covid-19 £52000. (2020 – 2021). 
• Animal Free Research UK – Lorna W. Harries (PI). Exeter AFRUK Centre of Excellence award. £600000. (2019 – 2030). 
• Animal Free Research UK – Lorna W. Harries (PI), Sarah Richardson and Noel Morgan. Dysregulated alternative splicing and cell fate decisions in type 2 diabetes. £174860. (October 2018 – Sept 2021).  
• HRBL – Roger Smith, Richard Faragher, Elizabeth Ostler and Lorna W. Harries (Co-PI) – New avenues for intervention in age-related degenerative disease in the horse: unravelling the role of altered RNA splicing and senescence in tendon.  £383584. (Apr 2019 – Apr 2021).  

Completed funding (past 5 years)

• MRC Research Grant – Sarah Richardson, Lorna W. Harries (Co-I) and Noel Morgan. Type 1 diabetes genetic risk and persistent beta cell enteroviral infection - a lethal combination?  £392,244. (Jan 2017 – Dec 2020). 
• Dr Hadwen Trust PhD Studentship. Lorna Harries (PI) and Sarah Richardson. Determinants of beta cell differentiation status in type 2 diabetes. £78000 (Oct 2015 – Sept 2018).  
• MRC Research Grant – David Melzer, Carol Brayne, Tim Frayling, Anna Murray and Lorna Harries (Co-I). Genetic and environmental influences on ageing well in the UK Biobank. £470793 (March 2015 -2018). 

• DMT Research Grant: Harries (PI). The role of age-associated inflammation in moderation of alternative splicing and its impact on age-related disease.14.09.15 - 13.09.18
• Dr Hadwen Trust PhD studentship: Harries (PI).Determinants of beta cell differentiation status in type 2 diabetes.15.09.15 - 30.9.18
• Wellcome Trust People Award: Harries (PI).Death by Rubber Duck.01.09.14 - 31.6.17
• MRC Project grant: Harries (Co-I).Genetic and environmental influences on ageing well in the UK Biobank. 01.11.15 - 31.12.18

• Wellcome Trust Seed Corn Fund. David Melzer, Lorna Harries and Jonathan Mill. Genomic markers of biological age in human in-vivo blood leucocytes. March 2013 - March 2014.
• MRC Research Grant: Harries (PI). Messenger RNA analysis of genes implicated in susceptibility to type 2 diabetes.01.08.12 - 30.09.15
• Research Grant: Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation. Katarina Kos (PI), Lorna Harries (Co-I) and David Melzer (Co-I). Which human SPARC isoforms are suitable peripheral makers of diabetes and obesity-related complications. 01/06/11 - 01/06/12
• Project grant. Wellcome Trust. Harries (PI) with Prof G.A.Rutter. Can Genetic Variation in microRNA sequences impact on the normal function of the pancreatic beta cell? 01/02/10 - 31/07/12
• Project grant . Wellcome Trust. Harries (PI) Alternate mRNA processing and mRNA surveillance of key pancreatic transcription factors in monogenic diabetes. 03/01/06 - 02/01/11.
• Project grant. Fidelity Foundation. David Melzer PI, Harries (Co-I), Murray (Co-I) and Llewellyn (Co-I). Gene expression and cognitive decline in older adults: the GEECOG study 01.01.10 - 01.07.11.
• Small Grant. Harries (PI). Northcott Devon Medical Foundation. Expression of susceptibility genes in cancer of the prostate. 01/07/09 - 01/03/10

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External Engagement and Impact

Awards

• Harries spin out SENISCA shortlisted for the Nature Spin off award 2023.
• Harries spin out SENISCA a finalist for the Reuters Health Entrepreneur Award 2022
• Harries spin out SENISCA awarded the OBN Start up of the year award. 2021
• Proteomass Scientific Society Career Awards 2021.  Award given for pioneering work to link splicing with senescence.

• Awardee Queen’s Anniversary prize 2019 for our work on potential effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals deriving from microplastics. 

• Kelliwik Lecture 2017. 

Title: “The Splice of Life”. This is an invited lecture based in Callington, Cornwall, where scientists are invited by the Kelliwik Society to present their recent work which has received significant public and Media interest. Previous speakers include Prof Michael Depledge (2015) and Sir John Sulston (2013). 

• Outreach work shortlisted for the Nursing Times award – “Participation, Involvement and Engagement: a real world, real-time experience for adolescents in research from NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility/Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust” 

• Co-author on a poster that won the NIHR directors award at the NIHR National Conference. Poster title X-Men-in-White: supporting British Science Week using a collaborative approach to science, research and education 

• Chosen as one of 31 inspirational women to feature on UoE website each day in March for National Womens Day. March 2014 and March 2018 

• RD Lawrence Award Lectureship, Diabetes UK 2011 

Title: “Messenger RNA processing and its role in diabetes”. This is a rising star award presented to the best young researcher under 40 by Diabetes UK at their Annual Professional Conference. 

• Team member Queens University Prize for Higher and Further Education. 2007 

• RCUK Fellowship in Diabetes and Metabolism 2006.  

• Team member Academic Team of the Year, Hospital Doctor of the Year awards. 2005 

• Won Scholarship to attend Keystone ‘Pancreatic Islets: From development to transplant’ symposium, Taos, New Mexico, January 2005. £1500. 

• PhD student won best presentation award at South West RNA club, providing £500 scholarship to attend the RNA society meeting in Cold Stream Harbor, USA 2008. 

• Won MRC studentship for my PhD funding, June 1991. 

Committee/panel activities

Member of Diabetes UK

Member of BRSA Executive committee (Hon General Secretary)

I have demonstrated well developed enabling skills, and contributed to university management both internally and externally. This is evidenced below: 

• UEMS representative on the Global 100 strategy group  

• UEMS representative on the Academic User Group. 

• Research Degrees Committee as IBCS representative  

• UEMS representative Researcher Development Steering Committee February 2014 to present 

• UEMS representative PhD marketing and recruitment group – February 2014 – August 2014 

• Patient Public Involvement working group – November 2013 to present 

• UEMS representative Researcher Development Steering Committee  

• Advisor (and former GMSO) on the UEMS Genetic Modification Committee. 

• Athena Swan –Mentorship champion (Invited in June 2018) 

• UEMS Induction facilitator 2006 to 2016 

• External Examiner, University of Warwick: Biomedical Sciences and Medical Microbiology and Virology BSc and MBio degrees.  

• External Examiner Imperial College London - Functional Genomics MSc. 

1.  Working with Partner Organisations 

I also have a successful history of working with partner organisations. Evidence in support of this is given below: 

• UEMS representative on the QUEX working group to foster links between the University of Exeter and the University of Queensland (December 2017 to present). 

• I have also worked with the Charities Commission in my role as Hon. General Secretary of the British Society for Research on Ageing, most recently when I coordinated our transition from a registered charity to a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). 

• Also in my role as Hon. General Secretary of the BSRA I have worked with the Association of Medical Research Charities, to achieve AMRC registration for the BSRA. I successfully coordinated the application for AMRC registration. 

• I have also worked with Genomics England as part of the Genomics England Clinical Interpretation Partnership (GeCIP) on Omics. 

Evidence of impact on policy and professional practice

NEW PATENTS 

• LW Harries & E Latorre WO GB WO2020021291A1 Lorna HARRIES University Of Exeter

• WO2020021291A1 Lorna HARRIES University Of Exeter. Priority 2018-07-27 • Filed 2019-07-29 • Published 2020-01-30

• L.W.Harries and E Latorre. Compositions comprising intermediate non-coding RNA regulators modulating the expression of ETV6 or FOXO1 and uses thereof. Patent filed in 7 global territories.
•  

Invited lectures

• Academy of Medical Sciences. November 2023. Title: Next generation senotherapeutic interventions.
• University of Bath. October 2023. Title: Oligonucleotide senotherapeutics for the diseases of ageing”
• BSRA. Sept 2023 in person. Title: Oligonucleotide senotherapeutics for the diseases of ageing”
• British Gerontology Society 2021. Clinically-relevant levels of active SARS-CoV-2 virus may persist in non-immunocompromised individuals. November 2021
•  
• 5th Age related disease therapeutics conference. In person. San Francisco. May 2023. Title: Oligonucleotide senotherapeutics for the diseases of ageing
• HEALinc summit, Virtual. April 2023 Title: Dysregulation of mRNA processing – a new (and druggable) hallmark of ageing.
• ELRIG healthy ageing. Virtual. Hinxton Cambridge 2023. Title: Oligonucleotide senotherapeutics for the diseases of ageing
• Oxford Global Biologics meeting. In person, London 2023. Oligonucleotide senotherapeutics for the diseases of ageing
• RNA leaders, in person, Basel, Switzerland March 2023. Title: RNA splicing modulation for targeting cellular senescence
• mRNA Therapeutics Summit - “Oligonucleotide senotherapeutics for the diseases of ageing” Berlin, Jan 2023.
• South Coast RNA network meeting – Title: “Oligonucleotide senotherapeutics for the diseases of ageing” Dec 2022.
• UCONN Systems immunology of aging meeting 2022. Virtual. Title: “Alternative splicing: A new senotherapeutic target”
• 6th Eurosymposium on Healthy Ageing (EHA). Virtual, November 2022
• Longevity Leaders, in person, London 2022. Title: Pre-clinical development of new senotherapeutics via modulation of RNA splicing.
• IPF summit, In person, Boston USA September 2022. Title: New drugs for old cells – oligonucleotide senotherapeutics for fibrotic lung diseases
• Ending Age-related disease August 2021. Title: Tales from the trans(crypt): RNA biology in ageing and longevity.
• RNA Leaders, in person, Basel, Switzerland 2022. Title: RNA therapeutics
  for the diseases of ageing

• Ending Age-related disease 2020. Dysregulated mRNA processing: A new senotherapeutic target? 

• Longevity Leaders, London April 2020. Title: “The role of alternative MRNA processing and regulation of age-related genes.” 

• Allergan, Monte Carlo, March 2020. Title “Splicing factors as targets for senomorphic drugs” 

• University of the West of England. July 2020.  

• Arab Health 2020, Dubai January 2020. Title: Beta cell identity changes in type 2 diabetes.” 

• Science on the Swan conference, Australia June 2019. Title: ”Small molecule moderation of splicing factor expression; new therapeutic targets for age-related disease?” 

• Allergan, Monte Carlo, April 2019. Title “The role of Senescence In Ageing” 

• Splicing 2019, Lisbon, July 2019. Title: ”Small molecule moderation of splicing factor expression; new therapeutic targets for age-related disease?” 

• Longevity Therapeutics, San Francisco January 2019. Title: “Influencing Splicing Factor Expression To Target Senescence” 

• Westminster University, 2019. Title: Influencing Splicing Factor Expression to Target Senescence” 

• Southampton University 2019 “Title: ”Small molecule moderation of splicing factor expression; new therapeutic targets for age-related disease?” 

• UCB Celltech November 2018 Title “‘Therapeutic Means of Preventing Cellular Senescence’ 

• Brunel University, November 2018 Title: “The splice of life” 

• Plymouth University, November 2018. Title “The splice of life” 

• Kingston Upon Thames University, October 2018 Title: “The splice of life” 

• Splicing 2018, July Lisbon, 2018. Title: “Altered mRNA processing in ageing and longevity.” 

• Skin Aging and Challenges Conference, Porto, February 2018. Title: “Messenger RNA processing and cellular senescence in ageing skin fibroblasts” 

• American AGE meeting, 2017 Title: “Altered mRNA processing in aging and longevity” 

• World Congress on Inflammation, July 2017. Title: “SASP, splicing regulation and rescue of senescence in primary human cells” 

• American AGE meeting, June 2016 “Longevity, genomic plasticity and mRNA processing” 

• Biomarkers of Ageing meeting, O2 London February 2016 “Splicing factors as determinants of longevity?” 

• Newcastle University, 2015 “Disrupted expression of splicing factors in human ageing” 

• Liverpool University 2015 Title: “Disrupted expression of splicing factors in human ageing” 

• Biomarkers of Ageing meeting, O2, London, February 2015. Title: “Disrupted expression of splicing factors in human ageing” 

• Aston University 2013 Title; Disrupted expression of splicing factors in human ageing” 

• Babraham Institute 2012 Title: “Disrupted expression of splicing factors in human ageing” 

• University of Oxford 2011. Title” Messenger RNA (mRNA) processing and its role in diabetes” 

• University of Manchester 2010 “Messenger RNA (mRNA) processing and its role in diabetes” 

• Ambleside splicing meeting 2010. Title “Expression of susceptibility genes in cancer of the prostate.” 

• Cardiff University 2010 Title “Messenger RNA (mRNA) processing and its role in diabetes” 

• Imperial College London 2009 Title “mRNA biology and its role in diabetes” 

• Bristol University 2008 Title “Alternate mRNA processing of HNF-1a transcripts may explain   genotype/phenotype correlations” 

• Scholarship Award talk, Islet Biology Symposia, Taos, New Mexico, 2005. Title: “Alternate mRNA processing of HNF-1a transcripts may explain   genotype/phenotype correlations”  

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Teaching

Undergraduate Teaching Responsibilities

• Small group facilitator
• Medical Genetics Module lead
• Adolescence PBL case manager
• Project student supervision

Postgraduate responsiblilites

• PhD supervisor
• Research Degrees committee member
• PGA-QC committee member
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Other

• Cell Science Investigator co-coordinator
• STEMnet ambassador
• Exeter Catalyst champion for Public Outreach
• Elected member of BRSA Executive committee

I teach on both the BMBS and BSc Medical Science courses. In BMBS, I facilitate a Research in Action special study unit group (SSU-RIA) each year and give lectures in my specialist subject areas. I contribute to assessment and benchmarking and attend professional training opportunities. I have sat on the BMBS interview panels for the past 10 years. I also take part in exam invigilation. I

 I have taken 2 sets of professional training year students (research placements one year each) and also house yearly sets of 4th year dissertation (EH4) students. I contribute to content development through trigger cases and exam questions in my subject area. I attend  professional training opportunities and participate in assessment and benchmarking exercises. 

Modules

2023/24

Information not currently available

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