This opportunity is now closed.
Self-funded PhD opportunity
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
As part of ongoing programme into natural antidiabetic drug discovery; we isolated several novel insulin-releasing antihyperglycaemic agents from amphibian skin secretion for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. We have developed novel analogues of previously described insulinotropic host defence peptides, and early results indicated structural modifications of these peptides result in a significant augmentation of the insulinotropic effects; producing enhanced in vitro insulinotropic effects as well as improved glucose tolerance and insulin release in obese insulin resistant mice.
The overall aim of this research is to examine the long-term metabolic effects and elucidate molecular mechanism of actions of novel peptide analogues of some recently discovered host defence peptides with potent insulin-releasing effects for potential development as novel type 2 diabetes drugs.
The proposed research will investigate the interaction of the Novel peptides from amphibian skin secretion with beta-cell membrane proteins as well as in vivo changes in the expression of key genes and proteins involved in glucose signalling via the KATP-dependent and the cAMP-dependent secondary messenger pathways resulting from the administration of the peptides to diabetic animals.
This project will involve techniques such as HPLC, MALDI-TOF, tissue culture, small animal handling and experimentation, PCR, immunohistochemistry, flurometric assay, radioimmunoassay, etc. PCR and Western blotting will be utilised to explore both gene and protein expression of key elements involved in pathways of insulin secretion (such as Ins1, Gck, Kcnj11, Abcc8, Cacna1c), beta cell proliferation (such as Pdx-1) and insulin action (such as Irs1, Ptb1, Pi3kca, Pdk1, Akt1, Insr, Slc2a4).
The proposed research will provide training in a wide range of techniques.
Applicants should note that Bench fees of £3500.00 per annum are required.
References
1.Srividya Vasu, Mary K. McGahon, R. Charlotte Moffett, Tim M. Curtis, J. Michael Conlon, Yasser H. A. Abdel-Wahab and Peter R. Flatt (2017) Esculentin-2CHa(1-30) & analogues – Stability & mechanisms of insulinotropic action. Journal of Endocrinology, 232, 423–435.
2.Ojo O. O, Flatt P. R, Abdel-Wahab Y. H. A and Conlon J. M (2013). Insulin-Releasing Peptides. In: Handbook of Biologically Active Peptides (2nd Edition). Elsevier, pp. 364-370. ISBN 978-0-12-385095-9.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
This is a self-funded PhD opportunity.
My experience has been great and the people that I have worked with have been amazing
Kieran O'Donnell - 3D printing of biological cells for tissue engineering applications
Watch VideoCompleting the MRes provided me with a lot of different skills, particularly in research methods and lab skills.
Michelle Clements Clements - MRes - Life and Health Sciences
Watch VideoThroughout my PhD I’ve been provided with continuous support and guidance by my supervisors and the staff at the University.I’ve also received many opportunities to further enhance my professional development in the form of teaching experience and presenting my work at conferences which will aid in my pursuit of a career in academia or industry.
William Crowe
Submission deadline
Wednesday 18 September 2019
Interview Date
within one month of application date
Coleraine campus
Our coastal and riverside campus focussing on science and health
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Closing date:
Tuesday 1 September 2020
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Closing date:
Tuesday 1 September 2020
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Closing date:
Wednesday 1 January 2020
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Closing date:
Tuesday 1 September 2020
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Closing date:
Tuesday 1 September 2020
Subject: Biomedical Sciences