Development and characterisation of novel antioxidant H2S-releasing compounds to prevent diabetic kidney disease

About this project

Applications are invited for this project which aims to develop and characterise new antioxidants (H₂S-releasing compounds) for the prevention of diabetic kidney disease. Hydrogen sulfide plays an essential role in maintaining redox environment in the body. Low levels of H₂S have been implicated in the development of renal complications of diabetes. Thus, H₂S-releasing compounds are promising therapeutic agents. We have synthesised GYY4137 and several novel H₂S-releasing compounds as part of an externally funded ERC IMI2 grant. This project aims to: 1) test the effectiveness of H₂S-releasing compounds in preventing kidney cell damage in culture conditions modelling diabetes; 2) determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of H₂S-releasing compounds in vitro; 3) assess the protective effects of H₂S-releasing compounds on kidney function in animal models of diabetes.

The successful candidate will join the internationally renowned Hull York Medical School, embedded in a £28 million state-of-the-art Health Campus at the University of Hull, with opportunities to work with biomedical scientists and synthetic chemists within the Allam laboratories and the Chemistry Department, and with clinicians at the Allam Diabetes Centre and Renal Unit of the Hull Royal Infirmary.

The supervisors have extensive experience of working on small molecule compounds, pharmacology and diabetes complication research.

For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Sam Xu.

Webinar

Join us at a free webinar at 6 pm on Monday 5 December for more information about the funded projects available through this cluster. You will be able to hear from PhD supervisors and ask questions about the programme.

About the research cluster

Diabetes is a multifaceted disease that reduces life quality and expectancy through a plethora of health complications and comorbidities. As the number of people living with diabetes is increasing, the societal impact of this disease is predicted to rise significantly in the next decades. The complexity of diabetes requires a multidisciplinary research approach to understand its mechanisms and deliver novel therapeutic tools.

This project will be part of a PhD cluster that will bring together a multidisciplinary team from five different Schools within the University of Hull to investigate four fundamental aspects of diabetes: 1) the effect on blood clotting and vascular health; 2) the association with kidney diseases; 3) the impairment of wound healing leading to peripheral limb diseases; 4) the combined effect of diabetes and dementia on life quality and disease progression.

As part of the cluster, these studentships will be embedded in a multidisciplinary and highly collaborative network. The students will participate in several cluster-wide activities, such as cluster-wide meetings with shared research updates, biweekly seminars, regular sessions on career progression and opportunities, an online community providing research news and local updates via monthly emails and via a dedicated webpage, and regular social activities for both students and supervisors.

How to apply

You will need to supply a personal statement when applying for this scholarship position. Find out more about writing a personal statement. Please also ensure you include the following information:

What motivates you to pursue PhD study
Why you are interested in this project
How your skill set matches the requirements for your choice of project and/or any additional training you will need
The wider significance of research in this area and potential future research directions for the project.

Apply for this scholarship Full time | Part time

Additional guidance on how to apply.

Closing date for applications

10 February 2023

Start date

1 October 2023

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a fee waiver and a maintenance grant/stipend for three years (full-time) or five years (part-time), which covers the research period of the PhD. The fee waiver for 22/23 is £4,596 (Home fee) and the maintenance grant is £17,668 per annum. This rises each year in line with the UKRI’s recommended stipend allowance.
If you need to move into a fourth year (full-time) or sixth year (part-time) to complete your thesis, please note that you will not receive a tuition fee waiver or maintenance grant during this period and you will be required to pay a continuation fee.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum 2:1 degree in a biomedical or medicinal chemistry related subject. A taught MSc or Masters by Research in a relevant subject or relevant laboratory experience would be an advantage.

For more details on our entry requirements please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage.

This scholarship is available for full-time and part-time study.

International applicants

This opportunity comes with a Home fee waiver only, which will not cover the full International fee. You will therefore need to pay the difference between the Home fee and the International fee every year and will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover this.

The amount you will have to pay will depend on the PhD programme that you will be registered on. For scholarships based in Hull York Medical School, you will be registered on PhD Medical Sciences.

Below is an illustration of what that could mean for you, based on 2022 fees. NB fees rise each year so the example below is an approximation only.

International fee for PhD Biomedical Sciences: £23,900

Home fee waiver: £4,596

Difference to pay per annum: £19,304

Submission of thesis

Submission of your final thesis is expected within three years and three months from the start of your PhD scholarship.

Research training

As a PhD student at Hull York Medical School, you will receive comprehensive research training and support.

Enrolment, Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and Visa information

If your application is successful and your PhD is based at the University of Hull, you will need to complete your enrolment through the University of Hull online system (we will send you information nearer the time). If you are also an overseas applicant your CAS will be issued through the University of Hull applicant portal, please ensure you complete your CAS requirements using your University of Hull portal.

The University of Hull visa team can be contacted at iect@hull.ac.uk.