About the Project
Supervisors:
Professor Mary Ward [Email Address Removed]
Professor Helene McNulty [Email Address Removed]
Dr Kristina Pentieva [Email Address Removed]
Funded Project
Project Description
Hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, is the world’s leading cause of preventable, premature death. A common polymorphism (C677T) in the gene encoding the folate metabolizing enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is associated with increased blood pressure, and there is accumulating evidence demonstrating that this phenotype can be modulated, specifically in individuals (10% of the population and up to 30% in some populations) who carry this genetic risk, by the B-vitamin riboflavin, an essential co-factor for MTHFR. Although not generally considered to be an issue in the developed world sub-optimal riboflavin status appears to be more widespread than is generally recognised, because of the reliance on nutrition surveys to report status rather than biomarker data. Biomarker status is rarely measured because the existing biomarker EGRac requires very specific pre-analysis processing, unfeasible in most settings. The DERIVE project which represents a collaboration between partners in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Canada will address this gap by developing accessible riboflavin biomarkers for use in population surveys globally (Canadian partners). At Ulster important functional, gene-nutrient and health effects of optimal riboflavin status in Canadian, Irish and UK cohorts will be demonstrated by investigating the role of riboflavin in modulating blood pressure via this novel gene-nutrient interaction. This will build considerably on recent findings from randomised controlled trials conducted at this centre showing significant blood pressure-lowering effects of riboflavin in adults pre-screened to select those homozygous for the common MTHFR C677T polymorphism.
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/faculties/life-and-health-sciences/schools/research-graduate-school/biomedical-sciences-phd/nutrition
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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