Molecular pathogenesis of diabetes-associated heart disease and assessments of new drugs for treatment

About the Project

Both the number of cases and the prevalence of diabetes are increasing globally. Cardiovascular complications are the leading causes of diabetes mortality. With the exception of vascular and valvular injuries, diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a distinct myocardial disease, which is characterised by abnormal cellular signalling response and defects in organelles function, leading to impaired cardiac function. Epidemiological studies have revealed increasing incidence of DCM in diabetic patients, featured by hypertrophy and diastolic/systolic dysfunction with consequential heart failure. Thus, elucidating molecular pathogenesis of DCM is pivotal for the discovery of potential therapeutic approaches.

Essential organelles in cardiomyocytes, such endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi, and mitochondria cross talk to play roles in maintaining intracellular homeostasis. Lipid droplets are also considered as a dynamic organelle, which can be protective by storing fatty acid as the energy fuel, but excessive lipids induce toxicity to the cells. Particularly, in diabetes, lipid overload and impaired lipid metabolism occur in the heart, leading to DCM and heart failure. Therefore, it is crucial to gain molecular and functional evidence that interaction of organelles regulation in the myocardium, which will provide new insights into therapeutic potential for preventing cardiac stenosis and heart failure.

In the proposed project, we aim to identify novel genes/signalling pathways regulating organelle function; advance our understanding of organelle function in the heart using genetic modified models; elucidate the molecular basis whereby lipid homeostasis is regulated in the heart; and assess the effects of new drugs against DCM, as a means of ameliorating the onset and progression of heart failure in diabetic populations.

This project can be available to start in April 2026 or September 2026

Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum 2:1 Bachelors Degree with Honours (or equivalent) in a related area/subject. Candidates with experience in any molecular and cellular techniques or animal work or biochemistry or medicine or pharmacology with an interest in diabetes and heart diseases are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline.

Before you Apply

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

How to Apply

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Cardiovascular Sciences Programme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website: How to apply for postgraduate research at The University of Manchester

If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester)

Funding Notes

Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project will have a Band 2 (med) or Band 3 (high) fee depending on the project design according to student’s interest. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website View Website