Key facts
- Type of research degree
- PhD
- Application deadline
- Ongoing deadline
- Country eligibility
- International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
- Funding
- Non-funded
- Additional supervisors
- Dr Ana Tiganescu
Background Glucocorticoid (GC) steroid hormones (commonly used to treat a range of inflammatory disorders) cause many adverse effects in skin including thinning, collagen loss, impaired wound healing and increased infection risk. GC are activated by the enzyme 11?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11?-HSD1) and this regulates cell function (e.g. growth, development, signalling) in tissues such as fat, muscle and liver but the effects of 11?-HSD1 in skin are poorly understood. Type 2 diabetes is an unmet clinical need of global importance. National incidence in the UK is approaching 10% and costs the NHS £9 billion annually with chronic wounds and infections resulting in >7000 amputations a year. Previous research has demonstrated increased 11?-HSD1 activity during normal wound healing1 and improved wound healing in healthy aged mice lacking 11?-HSD12 but the role of 11?-HSD1 in wound healing impaired by diabetes has not been investigated.
<p>Aim</p> <p>This master by research project aims to investigate 11?-HSD1-mediated regulation of wound healing in a mouse model of diabetes. Methods: You will use quantitative PCR following mRNA extraction and cDNA synthesis to analyse gene expression during wound healing in healthy mice compared to a genetic mouse model of diabetes (leptin-receptor deficient). Immunohistochemistry will also be used to visualise changes in wound healing, inflammation and collagen remodelling.</p> <p>References </p> <ol> <li>Tiganescu, A. et al. Increased glucocorticoid activation during mouse skin wound healing. J Endocrinol. 2014, 221(1), pp.51-61.</li> <li>Tiganescu, A. et al. 11beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase blockade prevents age-induced skin structure and function defects. J Clin Invest. 2013, 123(7), pp.3051-60.</li> </ol>
<p>Applications can be made at any time. To apply for this project applicants should complete a<a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/downloads/download/129/faculty_graduate_school_-_application_form"> Faculty Application Form</a> and send this alongside a full academic CV, degree transcripts (or marks so far if still studying) and degree certificates to the Faculty Graduate School fmhgrad@leeds.ac.uk.</p> <p>We also require 2 academic references to support your application. Please ask your referees to send these <a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/downloads/download/130/faculty_graduate_school_-_scholarship_reference_form">references</a> on your behalf, directly to fmhgrad@leeds.ac.uk</p> <p>If you have already applied for other projects using the Faculty Application Form this academic session you do not need to complete this form again. Instead you should email fmhgrad to inform us you would like to be considered for this project.</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>We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, but UK black and minority ethnic (BME) researchers are currently under-represented in our Postgraduate Research community, and we would therefore particularly encourage applications from UK BME candidates. All scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit.</em></p>
A degree in biological sciences, dentistry, medicine, midwifery, nursing, psychology or a good honours degree in a subject relevant to the research topic. A Masters degree in a relevant subject may also be required in some areas of the Faculty. For entry requirements for all other research degrees we offer, please contact us.
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The Faculty of Medicine and Health minimum requirements in IELTS and TOEFL tests for PhD, MSc, MPhil, MD are: • British Council IELTS - score of 6.5 overall, with no element less than 6.0 • TOEFL iBT - overall score of 92 with the listening and reading element no less than 21, writing element no less than 22 and the speaking element no less than 23.
<p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Office<br /> e: fmhgrad@leeds.ac.uk, t: +44 (0)113 343 8221.</p>