The roles of obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes in cardiovascular and thrombotic disease: why is the risk so high?

About the Project

Project Overview:

The risk of heart attack or stroke (thrombosis) is elevated in obesity and in people with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. The reason for this increased risk is not fully understood and is a focus of this project.

How platelets become activated, and to what extent they become activated is the governing factor determining whether a thrombus forms, or whether it will block a vessel. Platelet receptors activate platelets via signalling pathways, many of which use tyrosine kinases. This project can be tailored to address several related questions.

1. How are platelet receptors and/or tyrosine kinases regulated, and how does this change in obesity, metabolic syndrome or diabetes?
2. How can drugs which target these receptors or be used to prevent/reduce thrombosis?
3. Can we model obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes in mice or zebrafish, to study thrombosis in vivo?
4. How does obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes during pregnancy effect the health of the offspring?

This final question is a particularly novel area of research in our group. We have preliminary data showing that there are transgenerational effects of obesity. We are investigating the potential epigenetic components of platelet function to explain this.

Reading Platelet Group:

The Reading Platelet Group is part of the Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research and is formed from the laboratories of 5 Principal Investigators, all collaborating on several projects. We provide a multidisciplinary interactive research environment; an excellent opportunity for training in a wide range of basic molecular and cell biology methods including flow cytometry, immunoprecipitation, functional assays such as platelet aggregometry and real-time flow-adhesion, as well as specialist training in microscopy techniques such as confocal and super-resolution microscopy.

School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, provides world-class research education programs. The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, a 30-minute train ride to central London and 40 minutes from London Heathrow airport.

Our School of Biological Sciences conducts high-impact research, tackling current global challenges faced by society and the planet. Our research ranges from understanding and improving human health and combating disease, through to understanding evolutionary processes and uncovering new ways to protect the natural world. In 2020, we moved into a stunning new ~£60 million Health and Life Sciences building. This state-of-the-art facility is purpose-built for science research and teaching. It houses the Cole Museum of Zoology, a café and social spaces.

In the School of Biological Sciences, you will be joining a vibrant community of ~180 PhD students representing ~40 nationalities. Our students publish in high-impact journals, present at international conferences, and organise a range of exciting outreach and public engagement activities.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision in one-to-one and small group sessions. You will have access to cutting-edge technology and learn the latest research techniques. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. If English is not your first language, the University's excellent International Study and Language Institute will help you develop your academic English skills.

The University of Reading is a welcoming community for people of all faiths and cultures. We are committed to a healthy work-life balance and will work to ensure that you are supported personally and academically.

Eligibility:

Applicants should have a good degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent) in Biomedical Science/Biochemistry or a strongly-related discipline. Applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer Our Pre-sessional English courses - Global Academy, University of Reading that can help with meeting these requirements.

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD in Biomedical Sciences via ouronline application system.

Further information:

Research - School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading

Enquiries:

Dr. Craig Hughes, email: c.e.hughes@reading.ac.uk

Dr Hughes’ profile: Dr Craig Hughes – University of Reading

Funding Notes

We welcome applications from self-funded students worldwide for this project. If you are applying to an international funding scheme, we encourage you to get in contact as we may be able to support you in your application.