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