This project is one of 15 four year PhD Studentships funded by Medical Research Scotland (MRS) (https://www.medicalresearchscotland.org.uk) to be delivered jointly by the named University and External Partner Organisation (EPO). The Studentship will provide first-class research-training, and additional training provided by the EPO, needed to equip the successful candidate for a science career in an increasingly competitive market.
"The role of the lactate receptor in adipose tissue thermogenesis" to be delivered by the University of Edinburgh [Supervisors: Professor Roland Stimson (Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh)] and AstraZeneca (https://www.astrazeneca.co.uk/) [External Partner Organisation supervisor: Dr Vilborg Palsdottir].
The global prevalence of obesity continues to increase along with associated co-morbidities such as diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. Current pharmacotherapy has focused on limiting food intake with less effort on increasing energy expenditure. However, the identification of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adult humans recently offers a novel strategy to treat obesity, as BAT’s primary role is to increase energy expenditure to generate heat to maintain body temperature. People with BAT are protected from developing cardiometabolic disease, while BAT activation during cold exposure improves glucose and lipid levels. However, our understanding of the regulation of human BAT remains in its infancy. We have recently identified that BAT generates and releases a large quantity of lactate but the reason is currently unknown. Our data suggest that the lactate receptor may play an important role in BAT function. In this project, we will investigate the role of the lactate receptor in adipose tissue using several complementary approaches. We will determine how this receptor regulates heat production by BAT in a mouse model of obesity and using in vitro cellular models. This project involves an important collaboration with AstraZeneca and will test the effect of pharmacological manipulation of this receptor on metabolic health.
The successful candidate will gain strong technical expertise in metabolic research and will work closely with the pharmaceutical sector. This project will therefore prepare the student well for a future career in academia or industry.
ENQUIRIES:
Enquiries should be sent by email to: Professor Roland Stimson
[Email Address Removed]
APPLICATIONS:
Applicants must be motivated students with an excellent academic track record wishing to develop a career in cardiometabolic research. They should have a BSc (Hons) degree (First or Upper Second class) or a Masters qualification (Distinction or Merit), or equivalent for degrees obtained outside the UK, in the field of biomedical sciences. Previous research experience is desirable.
Applications are welcome from UK nationals, EU nationals that hold UK settled or pre-settled status and international students. The University of Edinburgh will be able to offer a scholarship to cover the difference between the home fees (funded by Medical Research Scotland) and international fees, for successful international applicants.
Applicants should send a full Curriculum Vitae, including two academic references (including email addresses), along with a covering letter detailing their motivation for applying for this project and the relevant skill set they would bring to this position, by email to Professor Roland Stimson
[Email Address Removed]
Please note, your application may be shared with the funders of this PhD Studentship, Medical Research Scotland and Astra Zeneca.
Interviews are expected to take place 2-3 weeks after the closing date for applications.
It is anticipated that the PhD Studentship will start 2 October 2023.
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