EASTBIO: Communication Between the Gut Microbiome and the Endocrine System: Who talks first?

This fully funded, 4-year PhD project is part of a competition funded by the BBSRC EASTBIO Doctoral Training Partnership

Around half of the total cells making up the average human body are micro-organisms and the different groups of microbes living inside us can impact our health or susceptibility to disease. There is also evidence that the composition of the gut microbiota, the microbes living in our gut, changes with life events such as puberty and menopause and more generally with age. However, the causes and mechanisms underpinning these changes are poorly understood. In this project we aim to better understand the interaction of the gut microbiome and sex hormones, testosterone, and oestradiol. The microbiome is increasingly recognised as playing a major role in health and disease, from modulating our metabolism to impacting on the effectiveness of anticancer treatments. This project brings together a supervisory team with expertise in microbiology, molecular endocrinology, and in-depth knowledge of the human microbiota. Using a range of established molecular and cellular techniques together with cutting edge genomic analysis we will determine: (a) the effect of different steroid hormones on bacterial physiology; (b) the molecular mechanisms used to sense and metabolise steroid-conjugates; and (c) identify the species of gut bacteria that produce active hormones, through biotransformation, and compare this with published data on changes during aging. Collectively, the impact of the findings of this project will be a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the two-way communication between our steroid hormones and the gut microbiota. The project is cross-disciplinary in scope and the student will receive training in bacterial and mammalian cell culture; gene transcriptional regulation; and steroid hormone biochemistry.

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ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants should hold a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject. Those with a 2:2 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) may be considered, provided they have (or are expected to achieve) a Distinction or Commendation at master’s level.

All students must meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the UKRI guidance on funding for postgraduate training and development. This guidance should be read in conjunction with the UKRI Training Grant Terms and Conditions.

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APPLICATION PROCEUDRE:

• Please visit this page for full application information: How to apply | eastbio (eastscotbiodtp.ac.uk)
• Please send your completed EASTBIO application form, along with academic transcripts to Alison Innes at [Email Address Removed]
• Two references should be provided by the deadline using the EASTBIO reference form. References should be sent to [Email Address Removed]
• Unfortunately, due to workload constraints, we cannot consider incomplete applications.
• CV's submitted directly through a FindAPhD enquiry WILL NOT be considered.
• If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at [Email Address Removed]