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Dr M Christian
Applications accepted all year round
About the Project
University of Warwick, Warwick Medical School
PhD in Division of Metabolic and Vascular Health to study Brown Adipocytes
Supervisor: Dr Mark Christian
Project Description
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an important site for energy expenditure unlike white adipose tissue (WAT) which is the primary site in the body for energy storage. In response to environmental cues, such as cold, a program of gene expression in the brown fat depot is activated to subvert mitochondrial function to directly generate heat instead of ATP. Understanding the pathways that control the differentiation and function of brown and white adipocytes is therefore not only important in development and physiology but may provide opportunities for altering the balance between fat storage and breakdown and be of therapeutic value in obesity and diabetes.
MicroRNAs are essential post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and show differential expression between BAT and WAT. This project will investigate the importance of microRNA-dependent expression and secretion in the function of brown and white adipocytes. The successful candidate will develop and optimise the culture of existing novel cell lines in which microRNA processing is inactivated by a hormone treatment. The project will study the potential importance of microRNAs in the transformation of white into brown-like adipocytes, known as “BRITE” or “beige” cells.
Eligibility & Award
Candidates should have at least a second class honours, upper degree at undergraduate level in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related subject or have (or expect to achieve) a Masters degree.
The award is for 3 years and covers full-time fees and an annual tax-free maintenance stipend of £13,726.
For an informal discussion please e-mail Mark Christian, [Email Address Removed]
PhD in Division of Metabolic and Vascular Health to study Brown Adipocytes
Supervisor: Dr Mark Christian
Project Description
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an important site for energy expenditure unlike white adipose tissue (WAT) which is the primary site in the body for energy storage. In response to environmental cues, such as cold, a program of gene expression in the brown fat depot is activated to subvert mitochondrial function to directly generate heat instead of ATP. Understanding the pathways that control the differentiation and function of brown and white adipocytes is therefore not only important in development and physiology but may provide opportunities for altering the balance between fat storage and breakdown and be of therapeutic value in obesity and diabetes.
MicroRNAs are essential post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and show differential expression between BAT and WAT. This project will investigate the importance of microRNA-dependent expression and secretion in the function of brown and white adipocytes. The successful candidate will develop and optimise the culture of existing novel cell lines in which microRNA processing is inactivated by a hormone treatment. The project will study the potential importance of microRNAs in the transformation of white into brown-like adipocytes, known as “BRITE” or “beige” cells.
Eligibility & Award
Candidates should have at least a second class honours, upper degree at undergraduate level in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related subject or have (or expect to achieve) a Masters degree.
The award is for 3 years and covers full-time fees and an annual tax-free maintenance stipend of £13,726.
For an informal discussion please e-mail Mark Christian, [Email Address Removed]
