Key facts
- Type of research degree
- Mastership by Research (including MA by research, MSc by Research, MSc (Eng) by research)
- Application deadline
- Ongoing deadline
- Country eligibility
- International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
- Funding
- Non-funded
- Additional supervisors
- Dr Ana Tiganescu, Professor Ann Morgan
- Schools
- School of Medicine
- Research groups/institutes
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine
Glucocorticoid (GC) steroid hormones (commonly used to treat inflammatory disorders eg giant cell arteritis - a condition affecting older people) cause many adverse effects in skin including thinning, collagen loss, poor 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 human skin are unknown. Previous research has demonstrated increased 11?-HSD1 levels in skin from older people1 and in sun-exposed compared to sun-protected human skin2. However, the ability of 11?-HSD1 to regulate GC target genes in human skin has not been investigated.
<p>This master by research project aims to investigate 11β-HSD1-mediated regulation of GC target genes in human skin.</p> <p>You will treat human skin samples with vehicle, cortisone (11β-HSD1 substrate), cortisol (11β-HSD1 product) or cortisone and an 11β-HSD1 inhibitor. GC target gene expression will be measured by quantitative PCR following mRNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. Corresponding changes in protein expression will be confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Using these methods, correlations between 11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD1-regulated gene expression will also be evaluated in temporal artery biopsies from patients with giant cell arteritis.</p> <h3>References</h3> <ul> <li>Tiganescu, A. et al. Localization, age- and site-dependent expression, and regulation of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in skin. J Invest Dermatol. 2011, 131(1), pp.30-6.</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> </ul>
<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 <a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></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 <a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></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 <a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a> 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>
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. 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.
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: <a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 343 8221.</p>