Circadian clocks in diabetes – implications for diabetic macular oedema

This project will characterise circadian arrhythmicity in a model of type 1 diabetes. There is a direct link between metabolism and the transcriptional/post-translational feedback loop of the circadian clock and evidence that circadian arrhythmicity promotes development of diabetes. However, less is known whether diabetes itself drives circadian arrhythmicity. The purpose of this project is to investigate if metabolic abnormalities in type 1 diabetes lead to altered synchronization of circadian rhythms in general and in particular in the retina, leading to progression of diabetic complications. The hypothesis is that diabetes induces a disruption of circadian regulation that accelerates the progression of diabetic retinopathy. The project has 3 aims:

(1) In vivo characterization of circadian rhythms
(2) to test if circadian arrhythmicity affects progression of diabetic retinopathy and
(3) examine the circadian rhythms of monocytes using molecular methods.

During the duration of the project, the PhD candidate will have the opportunity to interact with expert scientists in the field of visual and circadian neurobiology, attend chronobiology training and present their results in meetings. Most importantly, the candidate will belong to the vision group of QUB at WWIEM, a group of basic scientists working closely with clinicians to facilitate clinical translation.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a 2:1 or higher Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant biomedical or life sciences subject.

English Language

Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.

The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:
• IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
• TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17);
• A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
• A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
• A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.

For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/#English

INTO Queen’s English Language Courses offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained at: https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/University-Preparation-Courses/INTOEnglishlanguagecoursesatQueens/