MRes - How Mechanical Stress Drives Pancreatic β-Cell Failure in Diabetes (Project ID SAS0227)

About the Project

This MRes project will investigate how mechanical stress affects insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells, which is a poorly understood process that may contribute to β-cell failure in diabetes.

Diabetes is one of the most significant and rapidly growing global health challenges. More than 800 million people worldwide are currently living with diabetes, and prevalence continues to rise 1. Diabetes develops when insulin action or production becomes impaired. Pancreatic β-cells are the body’s only source of insulin, and β-cell stress, dysfunction, and loss are central to the development of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes 2. However, the molecular mechanisms that determine β-cell function and vulnerability to stress remain incompletely understood. Identifying these mechanisms is essential for developing new disease-modifying treatments.

β-cells reside within specialised cell clusters called Langerhans islets, where they constantly respond to signals from their surrounding environment. These include metabolic and inflammatory cues that regulate insulin secretion and cell survival 3. In addition to these chemical signals, cells also detect mechanical forces through membrane proteins and cytoskeletal structures that convert physical forces into biochemical signals in a process known as mechanotransduction. Emerging evidence suggests that mechanical forces within the pancreatic islets may influence β-cell behaviour and stress responses 4. However, how β-cells sense and respond to these forces remains largely unexplored.

In this project, the student will use a newly developed device to apply controlled pressure to β-cells grown in culture. Combining this system with fluorescence imaging, antibody-based detection methods, and functional assays of β-cell stress and insulin secretion, the student will investigate how mechanical forces influence β-cell signalling and survival.

The project will provide extensive hands-on training in modern cell biology techniques, including cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and interdisciplinary mechanobiology, while contributing to an emerging research area that aims to uncover mechanisms underpinning β-cell failure in diabetes. You will also develop skills in experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication, making this project well suited to motivated students seeking to build practical research experience and a strong foundation for a future PhD or research career.

Academic qualifications

A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in Biological/Biomedical Sciences with a good fundamental knowledge of cell biology, immunology, molecular biology and biochemistry.

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Knowledge of fundamental cell biology or immunology laboratory techniques, such as mammalian cell culture, plate-based assays, antibody-based protein detection methods (e.g. immunofluorescence or flow cytometry) and microscopy
• Competent in biomedical research skills, including experimental design, data analysis and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Knowledge of cell biology concepts, such as signalling, cellular stress responses and cytoskeletal organisation.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to working in a biomedical laboratory
• Good time management

Desirable attributes:

The prospective candidate should be highly motivated to undertake a laboratory-based research project investigating pancreatic β-cell stress responses in diabetes. Experience with immunofluorescence, confocal imaging and mammalian cell culture would be an advantage, particularly in β-cell models.

As this project involves development of a novel experimental system for applying controlled mechanical pressure to β-cells, an interest in exploratory research and methods development is desirable. Experience working with interdisciplinary approaches, or a basic understanding of biophysical or mechanical aspects of cellular systems (e.g. pressure, force or mechanobiology), would be beneficial. The successful candidate should demonstrate curiosity, problem-solving ability, and a willingness to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Funding Notes

This Masters by Research project is supported by a one-year REG Scholarship covering tuition fees (UK rate only*). Living expenses are not included. * International candidates will be required to cover the difference between UK fees and full international fees.