The Molecular Physiology of Apocrine Sweat Gland Fluid Secretion: Novel Mechanisms and Insights

GCU-Unilever PLC Funded PhD Studentship Project
Ref: S2018SHLS013

Background
Sweating in humans is stimulated by thermoregulation and emotional responses. There are two key types of sweat glands, eccrine glands that secrete a hypotonic salty fluid directly onto the skin surface, and the apocrine gland. The latter is located in the underarm and urogenital areas where it is associated with the secretion of a milky, lipid-containing fluid and production of odour. Bromhidrosis is a long-term condition that results in severe body odour and distress in sufferers, and is the consequence of bacterial decomposition of apocrine gland secretions. Recent studies have identified the proteins involved in ion transport and calcium signalling in eccrine glands, events critical to thermoregulatory sweating. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the process of fluid secretion by apocrine glands are still poorly understood.

Aim:
This project will study apocrine gland function, using a unique apocrine cell line, known to be representative of the native tissue. A range of cell, molecular and biochemical assays, including biomolecular imaging and molecular modelling will be used to dissect the molecular pathways driving apocrine cell secretion. The data will provide valuable insight into apocrine gland function, in particular the role of ion transport and intracellular signalling pathways, and improve our understanding of apocrine gland disorders.

Research Team:
This joint project between the GCU research team and Unilever aligns with on-going studies relating to skin and epithelial cell biology. The student will join a successful and experienced research group with extensive international collaborations in place, as exemplified by the International Gap Junction conference 2017 (www.igjc2017.com ), which highlights GCU as an international centre of excellence for connexin research. The student will engage with the public through patient consent and information events related to donated skin tissue. Training in commercial aspects of the project will take place in Unilever, thereby enriching the student experience with this global enterprise.