Diabetes UK PhD Research Studentship

Location

Diabetes UK PhD Research Studentship: Can metformin be used to treat pregnant diabetic mothers to reduce future risk to obesity and metabolic syndrome in their offspring?

Faculty of Medicine
University of Southampton

Supervisors:

Dr Felino Cagampang, Institute of Developmental Sciences
Professor Christopher Byrne, Institute of Developmental Sciences

Sponsor: Diabetes UK, www.diabetes.org.uk

Duration of the award: 3 years from 1^st September 2012

Project description:

There is increasing evidence that maternal obesity is perpetuating a vicious cycle of obesity and metabolic diseases into the next generation. We have been studying in an animal model the mechanisms by which maternal obesity during pregnancy affects the developing offspring, focussing on factors that predispose the offspring to the metabolic syndrome. This PhD studentship will examine how the anti-diabetic drug metformin given to obese pregnant mothers to improve their glycaemic control may also be protective to the offspring from future risk in developing obesity and the metabolic syndrome. In particular, we will look at the effects of maternal metformin treatment on insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in the offspring, as well as on the mitochondrial integrity and mTORC1 signalling pathways in their livers.

The successful candidate will work with a team of researchers in a multi-disciplinary environment within the Institute of Developmental Sciences (Faculty of Medicine) at the University of Southampton (www.som.soton.ac.uk/research/dohad/). The project will involve the use of a mouse model for developmental programming of the metabolic syndrome (see Bruce et al. Hepatology 2009). The student will gain experience in a range of techniques including histology, immunohistochemistry, mitochondrial function assays, molecular biology, proteomics and biochemical assays, and whole-animal behavioural and metabolic assays.

Person Specification:

Candidates must possess, or expected to achieve, a first-class, or upper-second-class, Honours degree in a relevant discipline relating to biomedical sciences. Applicants should be self-motivated, well organised, able to work flexibly, independently and as part of a research team.

Funding Information:

Funding applies to EU applicants (including UK)

Funding notes:

A full award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and an annual stipend of £14,500 (2012/2013). The studentship is open to British and EU nationals only. International students can apply but they must be able to meet the difference between UK/EU and International tuition fees themselves.

Contacts and how to apply

Academic contact:

Informal enquiries about the project can be made by email to Dr Felino Cagampang(f.cagampang@soton.ac.uk).

Administrative contact and how to apply:

You must complete the University's online application form, which you can find at http://www.soton.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgstudy/howdoiapplypg.html.  You should select the programme “MPhil/PhD in Human Development and Health (Full-time)” and list Dr F Cagampang as your proposed supervisor.  In addition, you must submit a covering letter and academic CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship and a short personal statement outlining your suitability for the study, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date.

Closing date for applications:

Prompt application is advised as this post is only available until a suitable candidate is appointed.