Obesity is one of the major healthcare challenges of our time. The major threat is in obesity-related cardiovascular and metabolic disease (such as Type-2 Diabetes), but it also increases the risk of cancer, musculoskeletal disorders (such as osteoarthritis), and worsens response to infectious diseases such as COVID-19. A critical step in tackling obesity, and especially the associated, and potentially life-threatening comorbidities is increasing our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms which govern how the cells and tissues of our body regulate energy metabolism, how they respond to metabolic challenge, and what drives dysfunction in metabolic diseases, such as obesity.
We have recently identified the enzyme BUD23 as an important regulator of energy metabolism and adipose (fat) tissue function. We find that deletion of this enzyme specifically from adipose tissue in mice alters the balance of energy storage and expenditure, and results in a significantly lower proportion of body fat. Without BUD23 function in adipocytes, the mice are completely protected from diet-induced obesity when placed on a diet high in fat. Therefore, BUD23 is critical to how body stores and liberates energy, and how it response to dietary challenge. BUD23 is an established and conserved regulator of ribosomal maturation, the component of the cell responsible for making proteins. But our work suggests it has a particularly strong influence over production and functioning of mitochondria (a critical site of energy metabolism within our cells) and how cells of the body regulate fuel utilisation (e.g. switching between carbohydrate and lipid metabolism across the circadian cycle). Importantly, genetic evidence suggests a similar, yet previously unrecognized role of BUD23 in energy balance and metabolic homeostasis in humans.
Within this studentship project, you will help us understand the role of BUD23 in directing energy metabolism and adipose function, and in doing so define fundamental mechanisms in cell biology and energy balance. This is a multidiciplanary project which will provide excellent training in a range of skills (including state-of-the-art in vivo phenotyping, multiomic profiling and integration, cell/tissue culture, advanced approaches for interrogating metabolic flux and mitochondrial function, as well as strong training in computational biology). The project also benefits from close collaborations with University of Oxford and University of Lausanne (Switzerland) – thereby providing the successful student with a cutting edge and exciting research project within a vibrant research group.
Eligibility
Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science, engineering or technology.
Before you Apply
Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.
How To Apply
To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form - full details on eligibility how to apply can be found on the BBSRC DTP website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/bbsrc-dtp/
Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [Email Address Removed]
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/
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