PhD Study : Exercise and Targeted Antioxidants in DNA, RNA and intragenic modification

Summary

Exercise yields several beneficial biological and metabolic adaptations, diminishing the risk of several disease states. Despite these beneficial effects, prolonged and/or strenuous high-intensity exercise increases the production of reactive oxygen species, which can impair normal cell function, and compromise DNA and RNA integrity. Previous work from our laboratory has observed nucleotide base oxidation alongside oxidative damage to single and double-stranded DNA following exhaustive exercise. More recently we have shown that a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant attenuates global DNA damage (PMID: 32810739).

Although these observations are important to further our understanding of high-intensity exercise and oxidative stress, these data provide no indication as to whether exercise can compromise a region (promoter, exon, intron) aligned to a particular gene of interest, and this may be important for genome stability. As such, the primary aim of this project is to ascertain the effects of high-intensity exercise and targeted antioxidants on intragenic damage.

This PhD studentship will involve undertaking several studies designed to determine the relationship between exercise, mitochondria-targeted antioxidants and genetic modifications. The completion of this work will require the extraction of cell genetic material following exercise across a range of intensities and durations. This PhD studentship will build on our history of work aligned to exercise-induced DNA modification and will merge the scientific domains of Exercise Biochemistry (Davison, Cobley) with Molecular Biology (Matchett).

The PhD researcher will gain experience in biochemical and genomic techniques, as well as an opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge in exercise biochemistry.  We plan to use the most-up-to-date molecular techniques designed to quantify DNA and RNA oxidation and gene stability, and over the duration of the studentship, the successful candidate will gain experience in sequencing, RT-PCR, EPR spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, HPLC, and cell culture.

This PhD studentship would suit a graduate from the areas of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Health, Molecular Biology, Stratified Medicine or Biomedical Science. The successful applicant should have a good knowledge of exercise biochemistry and a sound knowledge of wet laboratory techniques would be an advantage. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively through oral and written means is also a desirable quality.

References will be requested for shortlisted candidates.

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.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

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%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

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