Exbio Βιολογια και Κοινωνια
PhD Studentship in Cellular Medicine – Mitochondrial epigenetics; a molecular link between ageing and age-related disease.
Overview
Interested in how the ‘ageing process’ drives the development of age-related diseases? This project will investigate epigenetics mechanisms which may explain the relationship between ageing and age-related diseases.
Ageing is the main risk factor for most non-communicable diseases, including hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This risk is modified by lifestyle, and notably diet. We hypothesise that changes in mitochondrial epigenetic patterns with ageing contribute to the development of age-related disease and that dietary factors can ameliorate these effects. We will examine mechanisms that underlie ageing and their modulation by specific nutritional factors, and lay the basis for strategies to delay the development of age-related diseases.
The PhD student will develop knowledge of mitochondrial biology, ageing, age-related disease, genomics, epigenomics, nutrition, and the molecular techniques that will be used within the project, such as DNA/RNA extraction, pyrosequencing for analysing locus-specific DNA methylation, transfection using lipofectamine, and commonly used in vitro cell culture techniques. The PhD student will also learn bioinformatics tools for use in analysing the acquired DNA methylation data.
Value of award
100% of UK/EU tuition fees paid and annual living expenses of £14,296. Successful international candidates will be required to make up the difference between the UK/EU fees and international fees.
Number of awards
1
Start date and duration
September 2016 for 3 years.
Application closing date
30 June 2016
More informations: http://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding/sources/allstudents/08mrea.html