Ghrelin and the islet adaptation to changing physiological demands for insulin secretion during pregnancy
Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, School of Medicine and Dentistry
Centre for Diabetes and Metabolic Medicine
Supervisor: Dr Mark Holness
Co-Supervisor: Professor Mary Sugden
A graduate with experience and interest in a biological science. with (or expecting) at least an upper second class honours degree or a lower second class honours degree with a Masters is required for this project based in the Centre for Diabetes and Metabolic Medicine, located at the brand new Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, adjacent to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. This studentship is available to start from 1st October 2008 for a period of 3 years.
Ghrelin is a circulating factor that stimulates appetite. It has two forms (acylated and unacylated), both of which influence islet function and survival. It is unknown whether one or both forms of ghrelin contribute to the altered islet function occurring when the islet is challenged to secrete more insulin because cells of the body have become insulin resistant. We propose that modulation of ghrelin physiology could optimise insulin release and survival, and intend to use pregnancy as a paradigm for the pre-diabetic situation because, in pregnancy, islets can increase insulin secretion to maintain glucose tolerance without the irreversible deterioration that occurs in type 2 diabetes where they are no longer able to respond to an insulin secretory challenge.
The student will be provided with training in a range of techniques in the fields of molecular biology and intracellular signalling in relation to the role of the gut peptides in modulating insulin secretion and islet survival in pregnancy.
For an informal discussion, please contact the lead project supervisor:
Name: Dr Mark Holness Email: m.j.holness@qmul.ac.uk
To apply, please download the School of Medicine & Dentistry application form from our website: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/index.html and return to the Graduate school office with a copy to the lead project supervisor.
This studentship is funded by Diabetes UK and comes with a tax free stipend of £15,000.00 (year 1), £15,500 (year 2), £16,000 (year 3).
Home/EU tuition fees will be paid by Diabetes UK.
Non EU applicants will have to fund the difference between home and overseas tuition fees themselves, approximately £8000.00 per annum for a minimum of three years.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 13th June 2008.
