Investigating the Impact of Incretin-Mimetic Drugs on Chemotherapy Response in Obesity-Driven Cancers

Incretin-mimetic drugs (IMDs) have gained widespread attention as promising therapies for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Recently approved by NICE, EMA, and FDA, these drugs are rapidly becoming part of routine care for obese patients. However, as their use expands, they are increasingly likely to interact with obesity-associated cancers, raising critical questions about their influence on cancer treatment outcomes.<br /> <br /> This PhD project addresses an urgent and unexplored area: how IMDs may alter chemotherapy response in obesity-driven cancers. The study will explore whether these drugs enhance or hinder the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy, and uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these interactions.<br /> <br />

<p><strong>Research Objectives</strong><br /> In Vitro Screening: Using 13 cancer cell models, we will assess how physiological concentrations of IMDs affect chemotherapy response. High-throughput assays—including MTT viability tests, drug accumulation/efflux assays, and wound healing assays – will be employed to quantify changes in cell fate.</p> <p>Mechanistic Insights: We will identify and validate molecular pathways influenced by IMDs that contribute to chemoresistance or chemosensitivity. Techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, mRNA sequencing, and In/On-Cell Western assays will be used to dissect these pathways.</p> <p>In Vivo Validation: Selected cancer models will be used to evaluate the impact of IMDs on chemotherapy efficacy in vivo, providing translational insights into their potential risks or benefits in clinical oncology.</p> <p><strong>Why Join This Project?</strong><br /> This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of metabolic disease and cancer biology, contributing to a rapidly evolving field with direct clinical relevance. You’ll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge molecular biology techniques, high-throughput screening, and translational cancer research. The findings could inform future treatment guidelines and improve outcomes for patients with obesity-related cancers.<br />  </p>

<p><strong>You must contact the proposed supervisor for this project before you make a formal application. </strong></p> <p>A formal application for research degree study should then be made online through the University's website. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN: </p> <ul> <li paraeid="{cc558561-e300-45f5-a898-3bd20c9a5968}{125}" paraid="1717955186">For ‘Application type’ please select ‘Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate’. </li> <li paraeid="{cc558561-e300-45f5-a898-3bd20c9a5968}{131}" paraid="1941411394">The admission year for this project is 2026/27 Academic Year.   </li> <li paraeid="{cc558561-e300-45f5-a898-3bd20c9a5968}{137}" paraid="1823221166">You will need to select your ‘Planned Course of Study’ from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select ‘PhD Food Science and Nutrition Full-time’.   </li> <li paraeid="{cc558561-e300-45f5-a898-3bd20c9a5968}{143}" paraid="754352421">The project start date for this project is October 2026, please use this as your Proposed Start Date of Research. </li> <li paraeid="{cc558561-e300-45f5-a898-3bd20c9a5968}{149}" paraid="202248598">Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is ‘Investigating the Impact of Incretin-Mimetic Drugs on Chemotherapy Response in Obesity-Driven Cancers’ as well as <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/food-nutrition/staff/8727/dr-giorgia-cioccoloni">Dr Giorgia Cioccoloni</a> as your proposed supervisor. </li> </ul> <p paraeid="{cc558561-e300-45f5-a898-3bd20c9a5968}{155}" paraid="812110430">If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below). </p> <p paraeid="{cc558561-e300-45f5-a898-3bd20c9a5968}{161}" paraid="1891516213">More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>. You will need to provide copies of the following documents: </p> <ul> <li paraeid="{cc558561-e300-45f5-a898-3bd20c9a5968}{172}" paraid="1858125611">a personal statement for this project, which outlines your interest in the project, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project </li> <li paraeid="{cc558561-e300-45f5-a898-3bd20c9a5968}{178}" paraid="877561217">your CV </li> <li paraeid="{cc558561-e300-45f5-a898-3bd20c9a5968}{184}" paraid="1448270499">certificates and transcripts of all academic qualifications </li> <li paraeid="{cc558561-e300-45f5-a898-3bd20c9a5968}{190}" paraid="932080590">English language qualification certificates </li> <li paraeid="{cc558561-e300-45f5-a898-3bd20c9a5968}{196}" paraid="1315959137">visa and immigration documents, if applicable </li> <li paraeid="{cc558561-e300-45f5-a898-3bd20c9a5968}{202}" paraid="226045984">funding information – sources of funding that you are applying for (e.g. government scholarship), or if you are able to pay your own fees and maintenance  </li> </ul> <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 should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline.

For start dates from September 2026, the minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study in the School of Food Science and Nutrition is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<p paraeid="{686f9f78-fc9e-41d5-9e2a-90c785646aa8}{183}" paraid="557166827"><strong>This is not a funded project, but you can apply for funding separately. Self-funding students are also welcome to apply. </strong></p> <p paraeid="{686f9f78-fc9e-41d5-9e2a-90c785646aa8}{187}" paraid="1936376053"><strong>Please note that in addition to the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-fees/doc/research-degrees-fees" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">tuition fee</a> for the programme there will also be a <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-fees/doc/postgraduate-research-bench-policy" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">bench fee</a> of £10,000 per year for this project.   </strong></p> <p paraeid="{686f9f78-fc9e-41d5-9e2a-90c785646aa8}{192}" paraid="1993701339">Funding opportunities for Home students – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2026" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2026" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> are available to UK applicants.  <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds. </p> <p paraeid="{686f9f78-fc9e-41d5-9e2a-90c785646aa8}{196}" paraid="629442306">Funding opportunities for International students –The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds. </p>

<p>For further information regarding the project please contact Dr Giorgia Cioccoloni by email (<a href="mailto:g.cioccoloni@leeds.ac.uk">g.cioccoloni@leeds.ac.uk</a>)<strong>. </strong>You must contact Giorgia before making an application.</p> <p> </p>