PhD Study : Therapeutic importance of medical cannabis and cannabinoid receptors in Type 2 Diabetes

Summary

Diabetes represents one of the world's major healthcare problems with 285 million reported cases of diabetes worldwide, a figure projected to increase to 439 million by 2030. As the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has risen dramatically, there is an urgent need to develop new approaches for disease treatment. The alarming increase in diabetes incidence coupled with the failure of established anti-diabetic drugs to tightly manage the disease, demonstrates the market need for new anti-diabetic approaches. Approaches to counteract defective insulin secretion and low beta cell mass in diabetes are key in developing therapeutic strategies. In recent years, therapies that target the actions of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) which stimulate insulin secretion through activation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been successful. This has resulted in substantial interest in targeting other islet GPCRs for diabetic therapies [1-5].

The Diabetes Research Laboratory at Ulster University has identified the anti-diabetic potential of a cannabinoid receptor, and in collaboration with GreenLight Medicines, the student will carry out a comprehensive and rewarding series of studies ranging from laboratory studies through to clinical translational research. Cannabinoid receptors are activated by cannabinoids, compounds which are produced naturally inside the body (endocannabinoids) or introduced into the body as medicinal cannabis or a related synthetic compound. The most common source of cannabinoids is the Cannabis plant. The recent recognition by the UK government that cannabis has medicinal value and should be available to the public is an important step for the development of cannabis studies.

The aim of this research study is to determine the therapeutic applicability of a range of cannabinoids which act through a GPCR receptor and the beneficial effects in diabetes. GPCRs have become the target of approximately 50% of recently developed pharmaceutical agents. Our published work demonstrates that GPCRs activated by endogenous and synthetic agonists in islets and intestinal cells exhibit insulinotropic and glucose lowering activity [1-5]. This research project represents an important step in the validation of this islet target for improved diabetes treatment and care.

This PhD project is a collaborative project between Ulster University and industry. The specific project aims: (i)To determine the therapeutic applicability of a range of cannabinoids using pancreatic and intestinal cell lines and knockout cell lines (ii)To determine the mechanisms of action responsible for metabolic effects using GPCR knockout cell lines (iii)To determine the anti-diabetic effects of GPCR cannabinoids in pre-clinical and clinical studies

References:

1.Moran BM, Flatt PR, McKillop AM. (2016) Acta Diabetol. 53(2):177-88

2.Moran BM, McKillop AM, O'Harte FPM. (2016). Curr Opin Pharmacol. 31:57-62.

3.McKillop AM, Moran BM, Abdel-Wahab YH, Gormley NM, Flatt PR. (2016) Diabetologia 59(12):2674-2685.

4.Moran BM, Abdel-Wahab YH, Flatt PR, McKillop AM. (2014). Diabetes Obes Metab. 16:1128-39.

5.Moran BM, Abdel-Wahab YH, Vasu S, Flatt PR, McKillop AM. (2016) Acta Diabetol 53(2):279-93.

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:

• GreenLight Medicines

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