About the Project
Supervisors
Dr Yasser Abdel-Wahab
Dr S McClean
Project Description
As part of a programme of investigation targeted at isolation and characterization of novel insulin-releasing antihyperglycaemic agents, we have developed novel analogues of two previously described insulinotropic host defence peptides (PGLa-AM1 and hymenochirin-1b) isolated from Xenopus amieti and Hymenochirus boettgeri for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Early results indicated that Ala14 →Lys substitution in PGLa-AM1 resulted in a significant augmentation of the insulinotropic effects of PGLa-AM1; producing enhanced in vitro insulinotropic effects as well as improved glucose tolerance and insulin release in obese insulin resistant mice. A similar result was obtained by substituting Asp9 in hymenochirin-1b with a D-Lysine isomer. This PhD proposal will focus primarily on the assessment of the longer term metabolic effects of these two peptide analogues in different animal models of type 2 diabetes. It will also seek to delineate the molecular mechanisms of action of these novel peptide analogues using a wide range of molecular biology techniques. Enhancement of insulinotropic effects and delineation of molecular mechanism of selected novel peptide-analogues, using procedures consistent with sound research design, will provide a strong scientific basis for their clinical development as new therapeutic agents for type-2 diabetes.
The proposed research will provide training in a wide range of techniques such as: RP-HPLC, ESI, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry; acute and long term studies in animal of obesity-diabetes, measurement of insulin secretion, radioimmunoassay, peptide iodination, ELISA, Tissue culture, signalling molecules (intracellular Ca2+ and other second messenger pathways, peptide fluorescence tagging, cell morphology, PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry.
The applicant should ideally have good practical laboratory, computer and skills and show enthusiasm and commitment to work diligently on all aspects the research project to completion under the leadership of his/her supervisors.
Informal enquiries to Dr Yasser Abdel-Wahab ([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
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