PhD Studentships in Medical Sciences, University of Birmingham

UK. Open for application, PhD studentships in a research project within the Division of Medical Sciences, TheMedical School. Successful candidates will be involved in an already established team investigating the mechanisms ofinsulin resistance with a view to the development of therapeutic strategies.

Project Description

Insulin sensitivity in muscle and adipose: Glucocorticoids, pre-receptorhormone metabolism and tissue specific cross-talk.

Supervisors: Dr Jeremy Tomlinson, Dr Iwona Bujalska and Dr Dave Smith(AstraZeneca)

The epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes has focussed attention on the need to understand the mechanisms that underpin their pathogenesis. Patients with glucocorticoid (GC) excess develop profound central obesity, insulin resistance and in some cases type 2 diabetes. However, in most patients circulating GC levels are normal. We have focussed on the tissue specific generation of cortisol by the enzyme 11-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 which is rapidly emerging as a therapeutic target. In addition, we have recently identified a differential impact of GC upon insulin signaling in human adipose tissue and muscle.

The project will use a wide variety of ex vivo and in vitro techniques in human adipose tissue biopsies and human and rodent cell lines to characterize patterns of gene and protein expression as well as activation of intracellular signalling cascades. The tissue specific impact of GCs uponinsulin action will be explored and manipulated in a variety of systems. In addition, using novel cell culture techniques, we will explore the interaction between human adipose tissue and muscle. As part of the studentship, some time will also be spent in the research laboratories of Astra Zeneca in Alderley Park.

Please send a full CV (including a statement of research experience and names of two referees) to :

Karen Flaye
Division of Medical Sciences, The Medical School
University of Birmingham
Birmingham, B15 2TT

or

email:k.flaye@bham.ac.uk

Application deadline is Wednesday 21st June 2006.