Phd Funded Studentship in the Role of RNA-Binding Proteins (Rbps) in Diabetes

PhD Funded Studentship in ‘The role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in diabetes.’

Background/Rationale: Diabetes is a chronic human disease characterised by high blood glucose concentration which is caused by insulin deficiency. An estimated 4.5 million people in the UK have diabetes and the UK Government spends £10 billion per annum on the treatment and management of diabetes and diabetes related illness. It’s an extremely serious disease affecting both the macro and microvasculature leading to increased risk of heart disease, strokes, diabetic retinopathy, kidney failure and amputations.

The primary function of the pancreatic β-cells is to make and release insulin into the blood in order to maintain normal glucose levels. Critically, it is when the β-cells stops working properly that diabetes occurs. This loss of β-cell function is caused by changes in gene and protein expression. Importantly, a large group of proteins called RNA-binding proteins play a vital role in regulating protein expression and are, for example, known to be essential for the production of insulin. Yet the identity and function of the vast majority of RNA-binding proteins in β-cells are unknown. Emerging technologies will allow us to identify all RNA-binding proteins expressed in β-cells and determine which of these are regulated by glucose. This is an important first step in ascertaining the role of RNA binding proteins in the development of β-cell dysfunction and hence human diabetes.

Outcomes/Benefits:

• This work will help in designing strategies to preserve β-cell function and hence alleviate type-2 diabetes
• You will finish your PhD with a repertoire of scientific*, generic and transferrable skills which will be invaluable in your future career.

*e.g. islet isolation, pancreatic beta cell culture, molecular biology (e.g. qPCR), proteomics, protein and RNA biochemistry (e.g. Western blotting, polysome analysis, mRNP pulldown,CLIP (cross-linking immunoprecipitation)), Cell biology (fluorescence/confocal microscopy), bioinformatics

• This work will provide important data that will lead to publications and future grant applications

Requirements

Applicants must be highly motivated, be able to work independently and as part as part of a team, be able to plan and manage their own work, and have an appropriate knowledge of the discipline.Relevant practical experience is highly advantageous.

Open to UK, EU and Overseas Students

Tuition Fees (capped at UK/EU fee level)

Stipend/Living allowance: £15,000 per annum
Start date:As soon as possible

Duration: 36 months

Reference: COS-SoP-2017-1

Academic Contact
Prof Terence Herbert
01522 835890

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold: a UK undergraduate (Bachelors) degree with at least first class or upper second class honours in a subject relevant to the subject or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas institution. In addition, all applicants for research degree programmes are required to satisfy theEnglish language entry requirements.

How to apply

Please send your CV and covering letter to Professor Herbert at

Closing Date: As soon as the position is filled