Polyphenols and brain health: Structure-function relationship of anthocyanins towards mechanisms of neuroprotection and aging

Anthocyanins, a subgroup of flavonoids ubiquitously present in edible plants, have shown potential to interfere with age-related functional decline and disease. They have demonstrated a number of biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive properties contributing to cardio- and neuroprotective outcomes. Depending on the source, anthocyanin patterns may widely vary with regards to glycosylation, hydroxylation and methylation. Varied outcomes from intervention studies suggest differential effects of specific types of anthocyanins. <br /> The proposed PhD project is aiming to investigate the efficacy and structure-function relationships of anthocyanins and their metabolites on molecular mechanisms that drive neurodegeneration and aging. The project will involve a chemical/analytical part to extract, characterise and analyse anthocyanins from different sources. These will be applied to mammalian cells and nematode (C elegans) based model systems. A range of biochemical and molecular methods will be applied allowing the mechanistic study of target compounds on cellular/molecular and systemic level, including nematode life span.

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is “<strong>Polyphenols and brain health: Structure-function relationship of anthocyanins towards mechanisms of neuroprotection and aging” </strong>as well as <strong>Dr Christine Bosch</strong> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes in the School of Food Science and Nutrition should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline, or a good honours degree together with a Masters degree.<br /> <br /> The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study in the School of Food Science and Nutrition is:<br /> - IELTS - an overall band of 6.5 with no individual skill band below 6.0 in all components<br /> - iBT TOEFL - (Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language): a score of 92 overall with Listening 21; Reading 21; Speaking 23; Writing 22.<br /> The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p><strong>Self-funding students are welcome to apply. </strong> <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p>For current funding opportunities sources available through the University of Leeds please see <span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="color:#1f497d"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fphd.leeds.ac.uk%2Fsearch%3Fclive%3Dleeds-pgr-web-funding%26query%3D&data=05%7C01%7CM.Armstrong%40leeds.ac.uk%7Cad5b511285174fa2573a08da3f01f04b%7Cbdeaeda8c81d45ce863e5232a535b7cb%7C1%7C0%7C637891574805951605%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=79xhWwISArk00oOy%2FiO1THNMzvNxX67TnhUyE7iVaYI%3D&reserved=0" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">here</a> </span></span></span></span>however note that funding opportunities for 2022/23 entry will be updated and advertised from September/October 2022</p> <p><strong>UK students</strong> – The Leeds Doctoral Scholarship </p> <p><strong>Non-UK students</strong> –The China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship is available to nationals of China. The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens.  </p>

<p>To discuss the project, please contact Dr Christine Bosch</p> <p>e: <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">c.bosch@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>t: +44 (0)113 343 2068</p> <p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Office<br /> e: <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>