Novel biomarkers of fish consumption: Implications for neurodevelopment

Supervisors
Dr Alison Yeates
Dr Emeir McSorley
Dr Maria Mulhern

Funded Project

Project Description
Fish are the primary human exposure source of methylmercury (MeHg), to which the developing brain is especially sensitive. On the basis of limited data, government advisories have cautioned pregnant women to limit their consumption, especially of fish with high MeHg content. However, fish are a rich source of nutrients, including long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), which are important for the developing brain as shown by the Seychelles Child Development Study (SCDS), and therefore limiting maternal fish intake could pose a threat to optimal neurodevelopment. The SCDS have used hair MeHg and blood LCPUFA as biomarkers of fish consumption, in addition to dietary data. However dietary data are associated with reporting error and bias and often do not correlate well with physiologic biomarkers which can be further impeded by factors such as bioavailability, physiology and genetics. Uncertainties surrounding the validity of such markers warrant the investigation of alternative more robust biomarkers of fish consumption which would reflect the proportion of fish (encompassing both toxin and nutrient components), as well as the average MeHg content of fish, consumed by the individual. Stable isotope ratios could potentially fulfil these criteria and be used to improve the accuracy of risk assessment of fish consumption in relation to neurodevelopmental outcomes, with important ramifications for public health. The overall objectives of the research are to explore the use of stable isotope ratios as novel biomarkers of fish consumption and to test these biomarkers in the SCDS in relation to neurodevelopmental outcomes. Furthermore, this proposal offers the opportunity to investigate the genetic factors which may influence the proposed stable isotope biomarkers, with recent work from the SCDS demonstrating that certain genotypes account for variation in hair MeHg and serum LCPUFA status.
This project aims to determine:
• If sulphur stable isotopes can be used in conjunction with total MeHg in hair as novel biomarkers of fish consumption
• If nitrogen stable isotopes can be used as a more robust biomarker of LCPUFA status
• If combined stable isotope ratios can be used in the SCDS to assess the effects of maternal fish consumption, as captured by these novel biomarkers, on child developmental outcomes
The project will utilise samples currently being collected from a human intervention study and involve gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis at Ulster University. In addition, the student will interact with SCDS collaborating scientists at the University of Rochester, New York and Lund, Sweden for the analysis of MeHg and genotype. We are seeking a student who is enthusiastic, prepared to work hard with a good laboratory experience and working knowledge of nutritional biochemistry. A background degree in nutrition, biomedical sciences, molecular biology, genetics, or related subjects is required.

Informal enquiries to Dr Yeates ([Email Address Removed]) are welcomed

How to apply for this project:
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/phdresearch-degrees/how-to-apply

References and additional links
For more information on this project, the supervisory team and graduate studies at Ulster, please visit
http://www.science.ulster.ac.uk/gradschool/biomedical/

Closing date for Applications is 24 February 2017.

How to apply for this project:
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/phdresearch-degrees/how-to-apply


Funding Notes
The Department for the Economy (DfE) (formerly called Department for Employment and Learning (DEL))
The University has DfE research studentships available for PhD projects. These pay tuition fees and an annual maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum. These awards are open to holders of, or those expected to obtain, first or upper second class honours degrees and cover fees at the home rate and, for applicants with UK residence only, a maintenance allowance. Non-UK residents who hold ordinary EU residence may also apply but, if successful, will receive fees only. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate box on their University application form that they wish to apply for a DfE award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for DfE awards, including eligibility, can be found here: DfE Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017

Vice-Chancellor's Research Scholarships (VCRS)
A number of University funded VCRS will be available for PhD projects at Ulster. These awards are open to applicants who hold or, expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree. They will cover tuition fees and a maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum for three years. Applications are invited from UK, European Union and overseas students. Applicants with up to one year’s current or previous registration for PhD at any institution may be considered for an award subject to the applicant providing evidence of good academic progress, formal release from all IP restrictions and ethical approval (if required). Three-year awards may be allocated to such applicants where they are taking-up a new project at Ulster. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate area on their University application form that they wish to apply for a University Studentship/VCRS award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for VCRS awards, including eligibility, can be found here: VCRS Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017