PhD Study : Elucidating the role of gut hormones in infertility associated with diabetes, obesity and PCOS

Summary

The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes has had a profound negative impact on female reproductive health. Increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with ovulatory subfertility and anovulatory infertility. A large proportion of infertile women have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which is also linked to increased risk of diabetes, obesity and other metabolic anomalies. The association between obesity and/or PCOS and hyperinsulinaemia, hyperandrogenism and abnormal hormone secretion, underlies many reproductive disorders.

Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis for a key role for derangements in gut hormones in both the metabolic and fertility disturbances associated with obesity and diabetes. Research on involvement of gut hormones in reproductive function is scant, although gut hormone receptors and/or actions have been demonstrated on pituitary, adrenal cortex, gonads and CNS.

The proposed project seeks to assess the direct effects of GLP-1, PYY, ghrelin and GIP on  pituitary cells, and effects of GIP on steroidogenesis on adrenal cortical cells.

Core aims of the proposed research are:

*Using a pituitary cell line, the direct effects of GLP-1, PYY and ghrelin will be assessed in vitro.

*Immunocytochemical staining for GLP-1, NPY, GIP and ghrelin receptors will verify their presence on the cells.

*LH and FSH will be measured to assess the effects of gut hormones on gonadotropes.

* In vitro studies using human adrenal corticocarcinoma NCI-H295R cells will be carried out to assess the effects of GIP on steroidogenesis in the adrenals.

*Using ELISA, cortisol, testosterone, estradiol and DHT will be measured to assess the effects of GIP on steroid production.

*Using RT-PCR and Western blotting, the expression of several genes involved in steroid production and GIP receptors will be quantitatively analysed.

*Immunocytochemical staining for GIP receptors will further demonstrate their presence in NCI-H295R cells.

*In vivo studies will be conducted to investigate the effects of these peptides on metabolic function, oestrus cycling and reproductive function in animal models of obesity and infertility.

This project will provide excellent training in a wide range of state-of-the-art research techniques. We are seeking an applicant with good practical laboratory, computer and communication skills and enthusiasm and commitment to work diligently on all aspects of the research project. A background in biomedical, biological sciences, nutrition, pharmacology or a related subject would be desirable.

This is one of three top priority projects for Ulster’s Diabetes Research Group. The proposed work (ring-fenced studentship) is part of a programme of research carried out by Dr Moffett’s team funded by a major grant from Diabetes UK. Informal enquiries to  cr.moffett@ulster.ac.uk are welcomed.

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

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

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.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

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