About the Project
Supervisors
Dr Catriona Kelly, Dr Victoria McGilligan, Dr Shu-Dong Zhang
Project Description
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major complication of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). CVD is treated with lipid-lowering statins and many people with T2DM are therefore receiving statin therapy. Statins increase T2DM risk and poor glycaemic control. In addition, statins also alter beta cell function and increase insulin resistance, suggesting a potential diabetogenic effect for the drug class. Fluvastatin caused peripheral insulin resistance in the adipose tissue of obese mice, which was found to be NLRP3-dependent. The NLRP3 inflammasome triggers the secretion of IL-1β, which initiates protective inflammatory responses. IL-1β works synergistically with other inflammatory cytokines to promote beta cell apoptosis and diabetes development. Monocytes derived from newly identified T2DM patients display elevated NLRP3 expression, whilst insulin resistance was positively associated with incident diabetes during rosuvastatin therapy in healthy individuals. A statin-activated NLRP3-dependent mechanism of insulin resistance has been confirmed in animals, and this proposal will investigate this association in humans, which has not yet been established.
The project will test the hypothesis that statin regulation of glycaemia is under the influence of NLRP3 and associated regulatory proteins. Therefore, NLRP3 (and associated regulatory proteins) expression may be useful to predict the optimal statin prescription for those with, or at risk of, T2DM.
The project will involve a wide range of cutting edge molecular-based methods and interaction with clinicians within Northern Ireland in addition to our collaborators based in San Francisco. We are seeking a student who is enthusiastic, prepared to work hard with good laboratory experience and working knowledge of molecular biology. A background degree in biomedical sciences / bioinformatics or related subjects is required.
Based in: Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Londonderry, UK.
Web: http://biomed.science.ulster.ac.uk/research-institute/stratified-medicine/
Informal enquiries are welcomed:
Dr Catriona Kelly [Email Address Removed], Dr Victoria McGilligan [Email Address Removed], Dr Shu-Dong Zhang [Email Address Removed]
References and additional links
For more information on this project, the supervisory team and graduate studies at Ulster, please visit
https://www.ulster.ac.uk/stratified-medicine-phd
How to apply for this project:
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/phdresearch-degrees/how-to-apply
Closing date for Applications is 24 February 2017.
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
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