PhD Study : Lingual anorexigenic hormone administration as a new treatment for obesity

Summary

Gut hormones such as PYY and GLP-1, released postprandially mainly by the gut can promote satiation and reduce hunger. While intravenous, oral and injected administration of these hormones have been found to be effective in reducing food intake they have also been found to be poorly tolerated causing nausea and other gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, diarrhoea, etc.). Animal work has shown that lingual hormone administration signals directly to the satiety centres of the brain via the receptors on the tongue (e.g. NPY2R, GLP-1R), thus avoiding stimulation of the nausea centres.

This PhD program builds on on-going work by the research team and aims to investigate the effect of lingual gut hormone administration on food intake.

The main objectives of this PhD will be to:

1. systematically review the current scientific evidence on the potential of lingual gut hormone administration as a new treatment for obesity
2. conduct a number of physiological, double-blinded, crossover trials to assess the effect of lingual gut hormone administration (e.g. PYY & GLP-1) on food intake in subjects with obesity.
3. Undertake analysis of the biological samples obtained to investigate physiological changes following lingual gut hormone administration

If the lingual administration of these anorexigenic hormones are shown to be successful in reducing appetite without the adverse reactions associated, this topical lingula delivery mode may present an opportunity for the development of an effective treatment for obesity.

In addition to the wide range of training and personal development opportunities offered by the Doctoral College the PhD researcher will have the opportunity to work closely with the funding company providing the investigational gut hormones, and get hands-on experience of the development and production of the peptides. The researcher will also be expected and strongly encouraged to actively contribute to the research group and to prepare and present their research findings at national and international conferences.

Essential Criteria - Background in biomedical science, human biology, biochemistry or a related degree.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• AnaBio

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals are eligible to receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.