Understanding the role of lymphatic endothelial cell dysfunction in mediating diabetic heart disease

Diabetes, affects endothelial cells function leading to a condition called diabetic microangiopathy. Majority of the focus is on understanding diabetes-induced changes in arterial or venous endothelial cells. However, very little is known about the role of lymphatic vascular endothelial cell dysfunction in diabetes-induced heart disease, despite their important role in maintaining body-fluid homeostasis, immune cell trafficking and lipid transport. Of interest, all these are dysregulated in the diabetic heart. This project will study the structural and functional changes and molecular alteration in the lymphatic vessels of the diabetic heart. Structural changes and molecular alteration will be first characterized in the human heart tissue. This will be followed by understanding these changes along with molecular alteration with the progression of diabetes using type 2 diabetic mouse model. The animal model will also be used to understand the role of lymphatic vessels dysregulation in mediating diabetic heart disease. For further details, please contact A/P. Rajesh Katare.


Applications to undertake a PhD in Physiology are welcome at any time. Candidates can be of any nationality and must have attained an excellent degree (MSc with significant research component or a 4 years of Bachelors with Honours degree) in biomedical science or a closely-related subject.

1. Applicants are encouraged to first contact the supervisor(s) by email with the following details:
o Your name and country of citizenship
o Your CV
o Certified academic transcript (and, if applicable, an explanation of the content)
o Certified evidence of English language proficiency (eg IELTS or TOEFL results)
o The names of two referees
2. If your application is to be considered, the supervisor will contact you to discuss the next steps, and our Departmental Administrator will check that your documents are complete.
3. Funding: The PhD project will be funded by the University of Otago doctoral scholarship (tuition fees and a tax-free personal allowance of NZD$27,000 pa for 36 month). Successful candidates are expected to apply and be awarded a scholarship.

For further information on research in the Department see our research section at https://www.otago.ac.nz/physiology/research/index.html