Masters by Research - 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1: a novel target to improve wound healing in diabetes

Background:
Glucocorticoid (GC) steroid hormones (commonly used to treat a range of inflammatory disorders) cause many adverse effects in skin including thinning, collagen loss, impaired 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 skin are poorly understood. Type 2 diabetes is an unmet clinical need of global importance. National incidence in the UK is approaching 10% and costs the NHS £9 billion annually with chronic wounds and infections resulting in >7000 amputations a year. Previous research has demonstrated increased 11β-HSD1 activity during normal wound healing1 and improved wound healing in healthy aged mice lacking 11β-HSD12 but the role of 11β-HSD1 in wound healing impaired by diabetes has not been investigated.

Aim:
This master by research project aims to investigate 11β-HSD1-mediated regulation of wound healing in a mouse model of diabetes.

Methods:
You will use quantitative PCR following mRNA extraction and cDNA synthesis to analyse gene expression during wound healing in healthy mice compared to a genetic mouse model of diabetes (leptin-receptor deficient). Immunohistochemistry will also be used to visualise changes in wound healing, inflammation and collagen remodelling.

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]