Subject areas:
Physiology, Endocrinology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Diabetes.
Funding type:
Stipend.
Conference.
Study costs.
Awarding body:
Diabetes UK.
This PhD project will investigate the effects of clinically used SSRIs on improving β-cell function and maintaining normoglycaemia in mice, and identify the molecular mechanisms by which SSRIs act.
Award details
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants, some of which have been reported to reduce blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. We have previously shown that fluoxetine enhances insulin secretion and promotes β-cell mass expansion but the effects of other SSRIs on β-cells are not well understood.
This PhD project will investigate the effects of sertraline and paroxetine on β-cell function and blood glucose control in mice and determine their molecular modes of action. The studentship will provide excellent training in molecular cell biology and in vivo assessment of glucose homeostasis. The appointed student will also learn to use software packages such as GraphPad Prism and ImageJ, and acquire training in transferable skills such as scientific writing, critical thinking, project management and communication skills.
This project is the perfect platform from which a research student can flourish and develop into a multi-skilled islet biologist pursuing a career in diabetes research.
For enquiries please contact Dr. Bo Liu, primary supervisor at bo.2.liu@kcl.ac.uk.
Award value
- Stipend: The studentships provide a generous stipend (currently £20,900 in Year 1/ £64,350 over the course of 3 years).
- Bench Fees: An allowance will be provided for research consumables
- Tuition fees: Home tuition fees will be fully covered by this programme.
Eligibility criteria
The programme welcomes applications from a diverse range of backgrounds. Applicants will be reviewed on qualifications, experience and potential to undertake a research degree.
To be eligible for consideration applicants must possess, or be expected to achieve, a 1st or high upper 2nd class degree (or equivalent) in a biomedical science subject. Applications from students with a relevant Master’s degree are also welcome.
English Language Requirements:
If English is not your first language you will be required to provide evidence that you meet the minimum English requirements of the Faculty details can be found on our website. If you are unable to provide this confirmation before applying any offer you are made would be conditional upon you meeting these requirements prior to enrolment and no later than 4 weeks before the course starts.
Application process
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To apply, please visit the King’s Apply website at https://myapplication.kcl.ac.uk/ and follow the steps outlined below.
· Register a new account and login.
· Open a new application.
· Select the programme:
1. Select ‘Research programmes’
2. Enter ‘Cardio’, then Search
3. Select: ‘Cardiovascular Medicine and Science Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time)’. Your application cannot be considered if submitted under the incorrect programme.
· Complete and submit your application noting the following:
1. Include a supporting personal statement, no project proposal is needed.
2. 2 References
3. CV
4. Funding – select drop-down ‘4. Grant Awarding Body’. For the award status, select 'Advertised Scholarship' and in the box marked ‘Ref No.:’, please enter: ‘DUKBL24’.
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