Pharmacological modulation of vascular hyperpermeability associated with diabetes

Oxidative stress is the most common disturbance resulting from hyperglycemia and high fat diet. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is of particular importance in the alteration of endothelial permeability. In vascular endothelial cells, ROS induction is mainly attributable to the production of superoxide anion by NADPH oxidase (NOX). In this studentship we will investigate: 1) the chemical nature and biochemical source of ROS in endothelial cells in high glucose condition; 2) the modulation of NOX1-5 and DUOX1-2 expression high glucose conditions; 3) the effect of selective NOX inhibitors on endothelial ROS formation in high glucose; 4) the molecular mechanisms linking ROS formation to cell-cell interaction loosening in high glucose; 5) the modulation of high-glucose vascular hyperpermeability by novel and selective NOX inhibitors. Vascular permeability will be modelled in vitro using Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS, Applied Biophysics).

The University of Exeter Medical School is seeking to attract self-funded PhD candidates of outstanding ability to join their exciting and rapidly expanding programme of internationally rated research. This studentship will be hosted by the laboratory of Dr Giordano Pula within the Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science (IBCS) and will provide novel and vital information to explain and potentially treat the vascular hyperpermeability associated with diabetes. The student will be trained in mammalian cell culture, cell biology and biochemistry of cellular communication, immunochemistry and cell imaging. In addition to a solid background in cell biology and in vitro pharmacology, the established collaborative links with local clinical research programs on diabetes will make this project highly interdisciplinary and will allow the development of strong clinical research skills.

Academic Supervisors:
Dr Giordano Pula, Senior Lecturer in Cardiovascular Bio-medicine, Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School: http://medicine.exeter.ac.uk/people/profile/index.php?web_id=Giordano_Pula


Entry requirements:
Applicants should be highly motivated and have, or expect to obtain, either a first or upper-second class BSc (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. International applicants must also have IELTS [International English Language Testing System] score of 7 and above (or equivalent qualification). For more information, please see our English Language Requirements: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/


How to apply:
Please send a CV, Covering letter (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project) and copies of degree transcript (giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying) to UEMS Graduate Research: [Email Address Removed]

Candidates are encouraged to make an expression of interest, as early as possible. The award will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate can be found.

If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email [Email Address Removed]
Project specific queries should be directed to Dr Pula.

We regret that only candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted.