Masters by Research - Pre-receptor regulation of glucocorticoid target genes in human skin

Background:
Glucocorticoid (GC) steroid hormones (commonly used to treat inflammatory disorders e.g. giant cell arterisis - a condition affecting older people) cause many adverse effects in skin including thinning, collagen loss, poor wound healing and increased infection risk. GC are activated by the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) and this regulates cell function (e.g. growth, development, signalling) in tissues such as fat, muscle and liver but the effects of 11β-HSD1 in human skin are unknown. Previous research has demonstrated increased 11β-HSD1 levels in skin from older people1 and in sun-exposed compared to sun-protected human skin2. However, the ability of 11β-HSD1 to regulate GC target genes in human skin has not been investigated.

Aim:
This master by research project aims to investigate 11β-HSD1-mediated regulation of GC target genes in human skin.

Methods:
You will treat human skin samples with vehicle, cortisone (11β-HSD1 substrate), cortisol (11β-HSD1 product) or cortisone and an 11β-HSD1 inhibitor. GC target gene expression will be measured by quantitative PCR following mRNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. Corresponding changes in protein expression will be confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Using these methods, correlations between 11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD1-regulated gene expression will also be evaluated in temporal artery biopsies from patients with giant cell arteritis.

Eligibility:
This project is available immediately to both Home/EU rate applicants and International applicants who are able to self-fund their studies.

You should hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject. This project would suit a student with a strong background molecular and cellular biology.

Candidate whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study, the Faculty minimum requirements are:

• British Council IELTS - score of 6.5 overall, with no element less than 6.0
• TOEFL iBT - overall score of 92 with the listening and reading element no less than 21, writing element no less than 22 and the speaking element no less than 23.

How to apply
To apply for this position potential applicants should initially contact the lead supervisor, Dr Ana Tiganescu directly [Email Address Removed]

Following this, please submit a formal application by completing a Faculty Application form using the link below http://medhealth.leeds.ac.uk/download/3551/fmh_scholarship_application_2017_18 and send this alongside a full academic CV, degree certificates and transcripts (or marks so far if still studying) to the Faculty Graduate School [Email Address Removed]

We also require 2 academic references to support your application. Please ask your referees to send these references on your behalf, directly to [Email Address Removed]

If you have already applied for other projects using the Faculty Scholarship Application form you do not need to complete this form again. Instead you should email [Email Address Removed] to inform us you would like to be considered for this scholarship project.

Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to [Email Address Removed]