Eurizon.eu

Organization: The University of Manchester

Location: Manchester, UK

Field: Biological Sciences

Requirements:

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a minimum upper-second honours degree (or equivalent) in one of the biological sciences

Abstract:

The objective of this fully funded 3-year PhD project is to investigate the molecular basis of placental growth in pregnancies complicated by diabetes

Description:

The studentship provides full support for tuition fees, all associated research costs and an annual tax-free stipend of £13, 590. The project is due to commence October 2011 and is open to UK/EU nationals only due to the nature of the funding.
As the incidence of diagnosed diabetes continues to increase, especially in the younger population, the number of women with diabetes in pregnancy is rising. Many pregnancies complicated by diabetes are associated with abnormal fetal growth, particularly fetal overgrowth (macrosomia). Macrosomia can cause problems at birth and is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes in adulthood.
Fetal growth depends directly on the transfer of nutrients from mother to baby via the placenta. It is therefore unsurprising that macrosomia is linked to enhanced placental development. Maternal growth factors such as insulin-like growth factors enhance placental growth. The degree of placental responsiveness to these factors depends directly on the expression of specific signalling molecules within the placenta. Altering levels of these proteins is a potential intervention to help placental growth in diabetes.
The body has its own unique mechanism for regulating gene expression through the action of molecules termed microRNAs (miRs). miRs are newly identified short, non-coding RNAs which act as negative regulators of protein expression. We have evidence that miRs regulate placental growth and we have identified miRs within the placenta that are altered in macrosomia attributed to maternal diabetes. Bioinformatics data suggests that some of these miRs operate in growth factor signalling cascades but currently, their functions have not been documented. This project will characterize the function of the altered microRNAs in the placenta, in support of new therapeutic targets.
The successful candidate will benefit from an extensive support network based in the Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, the largest pregnancy research group in Europe. Training will be provided in manipulation of miR expression in human placental cells and tissue, functional assays and molecular/biochemical techniques such as qPCR and in-situ hybridization. The PhD will also provide opportunity to spend six months in the Giangrande laboratory, University of Iowa, USA to utilise novel methodology to specifically target miRs to the placenta.    
Given the combination of molecular and biological skills developed, this PhD will provide an ideal platform to progress onto a research career path within diabetes, pregnancy and/or microRNA studies.
 
Please direct applications in the following format to Dr Karen Forbes (karen.forbes@manchester.ac.uk):

• Academic CV
• Official academic transcripts
• Contact details for two suitable referees
• A personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining your suitability for the study, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date.

Any enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be directed to Dr Forbes at the address above. Applications are invited up to and including Monday 4 April 2011.
http://www.medicine.manchester.ac.uk/staff/129419
http://www.medicine.manchester.ac.uk/maternalfetal/

Deadline: 04-04-2011

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