PhD Study : Investigating the bioactive properties of a novel mushroom compound.

Summary

Mushrooms have been used in Japanese and Chinese medicine for thousands of years, owing to their bioactive properties in humans (1). In recent years the pharmaceutical industry have been concentrating on developing natural bioactive substances into new potent pharmaceutical drugs. Therefore research into biologically active mushrooms is of great interest to the biomedical field (1).

Mushroom compounds have been linked to the treatment of many diseases including cancer (2), diabetes (3, 4), depression (5), immune disorders (6), sepsis, HIV and even malaria. Non-bioactive compounds from mushrooms have also been used in biomedical science as a novel drug delivery method to help carry bioactive drugs across biological membranes.

K Hughes & Co Limited have developed a novel and patented method for the extraction of “pure” mushroom compounds. In collaboration with Ulster University has K Hughes & Co Limited shown that their novel compounds have shown potent bioactive properties against a range of diseases.

The aim of this PhD project is to elucidate the bioactivity of a novel compound extracted from a rare mushroom, Isaria (Cordyceps) Sinclairii. This project will involve in vitro testing, to determine bioactivity of compound utilising cell culture, xCELLigence, flow cytometry and Radio ImmunoAssay (RIA). Subsequently, bioavailability will be ascertained in vivo involving mass spectrometry confirmation of compound and finally in vivo bioactivity confirmed in a disease state involving confocal imaging, IVIS imaging, Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) and immune function testing.

This project will aim to discovery a potential new treatment for diabetes or cancer.

References:

1. Worthington J and Rashid S. The therapeutic potential of mushroom extract. Natural Products as future therapeutic agents. Old City Publishing, pp. 49-72.

2. Sullivan E, Smith JE and Rowan NJ. Medicinal Mushrooms and Cancer Therapy: translating a traditional practice into Western medicine. Perspectives in Biology and Medicine 2006; 49(2):159-170

3. Lo HC and Wasser SP. Medicinal mushrooms for glycemic control in diabetes mellitus: history, current status, future perspectives, and unsolved problems (review). International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 2011; 13(5):401-26

4. Gray AM and Flatt PR. Insulin-releasing and insulin-like activity of Agaricus campestris (mushroom). The Journal of Endocrinology 1998 May; 157(2):259-66 5

5. Song J, Wang X, Huang Y, Qu Y, Wang D and Meng Z. Antidepressant-like effects of Marasmius androsaceus metabolic exopolysaccharides on chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced rat model. Molecular medicine reports 2017 Oct; 16(4):5043-5049

6. Guggenheim AG, Wright KM and Zwickey HL. Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology. Integrative Medicine 2014 Feb; 13(1):32-44

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

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
• Masters at 65%
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• K Hughes & Company Ltd

The University offers the following levels of support:

Department for the Economy (DFE)

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

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• 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 who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY 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.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living