UK : University of Hull PhD Scholarship: Understanding the role of glucose variability in platelet hyperactivity in subject with type 2 diabetes

PROJECT DETAILS
Increased cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in patients with type 2 diabetes. Obesity and diabetes are associated with insulin resistance (IR) and a hypercoagulable state, both of which play a role in the pathogenesis of atherothrombosis. Blood platelets play a privotal role in the atherthrombotic process by promoting vascular inflammation and thrombotic occlusion of key blood vessels. The mechanism linking IR to thrombosis are unclear, but is thought to involve progressive platelet hyperactivity. We hypothesise that dysglycaemia associated with poor glycaemic controils induces platelet hyperactivity. Insulin treatment of patients with diabetes is associated with dysglycaemia, and particularly with hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia variability. While chronic states of hyper or hypoglycaemia per se have a moderate effect on platelet activation through a degree of adaptation, we believe that rapid glucose variability such as from hyper to hypoglycaemia and often found in poorly controlled diabetic subjects may have a more profound effects on platelets leading to accumulative effects.

In this this project we will examine the effect of glucose variability on platelet function and thrombosis. Using hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp established in our laboratory we will simulate rapid changes in blood glucose levels in both type 2 diabetes and control subjects. We will examine (i) how rapid changes in glycaemic index alter platelet sensitivity to activators and inhibitors in whole blood, (ii) whether the platelet hyperactivity is due to a primary platelet defect or a change in the plasma environment, and (iii) examine the role of specific ligands in mediating hyperactivity. These data will provide novel information on the potential role of glucose variability in the pathobiology of diabetes.

This studentship provides an excellent opportunity to receive training in both clinical simulation of dysglycaemia, basic cell and molecular biology techniques (immunoblotting/, flow cytometry, fluorescence/confocal microscopy, platelet functional assays).

LOCATION
The academic work will be based in HYMS Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research at the University of Hull campus.

RESEARCH CULTURE
The student will join a research team that utilises multidisciplinary approaches to identify new mechanisms regulating platelet function and determine if these newly identified mechanisms can be targets for prevention and treatment of arterial thrombosis associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

NAMED ACADEMIC
The primary supervisor for this project is Professor Stephen Atkin (Stephen.atkin@hyms.ac.uk). Interested applicants can informally consult with Professor Atkin about the project.

FUNDING
Each full-time UK/EU PhD scholarship will include fees at the ‘home/EU' student rate and maintenance (£13,590 in 2012/13) for three years and the international fee bursaries will cover full tuition fees for full time overseas students for three years, depending on satisfactory progress. Funding for conference attendance will also be available.

The international fee bursaries will cover full tuition fees for full-time overseas students for three years, depending on satisfactory progress.

START DATE
This scholarship is expected to commence in October 2012.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
A 2:1 degree or higher (or equivalent) in a relevant degree subject.

HOW TO APPLY
All applications MUST BE submitted to the HYMS Postgraduate Centre via the online application method: http://www.hyms.ac.uk/postgraduate/applying-for-postgraduate-study.aspx

Please quote 'HYMSPG/10/1213' with the scholarship title when applying. In order for the Panel to get a sense of your academic background, commitment and interest, you are required to complete the application form in full and provide a research proposal/outline of academic interest.
If you have any queries on how to apply please email postgraduate@hyms.ac.uk.

INTERVIEW DATE
Interviews for the scholarship will be held as soon as possible after the closing date. Applicants who are shortlisted for interview will be sent details of the date, time and venue via email within a week of the deadline. If you are not invited for the interview, it means that your application has not been successful. Please note that we do not offer feedback to applicants who are not invited to the interview.

INTERVIEW OUTCOME
As soon as reasonably practicable after the interviews have taken place HYMS will write to the successful applicant offering him/her the post. Upon receipt of formal written acceptance of the post we will write to notify unsuccessful candidates. Whilst we try to do this in as effective and efficient manner as possible, sometimes the process can take rather longer than is ideal because of the need to recall candidates for a second interview and reconvene interview panels and/or due to routine disruptions caused by leave and other absences. We apologise for any delay and inconvenience caused in these circumstances

Further Information

Application Deadline : 2 March 2012

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Posted on 2012-02-11 11:26:30

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