UCD School of Medicine & Medical Science

Project: The Role of Altered IGF-I Bioavailability in the Cardiovascular Complications of Type 2 Diabetes

Applications are invited for a 3 year SFI funded PhD position in the School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Ireland. Our research group is interested in elucidating the role of the insulin like growth factors and their binding proteins in the development of diabetes complications. Epidemiological studies have shown that type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke. Although they are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, the pathogenic mechanism(s) underlying cardio and cerebrovascular disease in type 2 diabetes are not completely understood.

Insulin like growth factor (IGF) -I is a peptide hormone with structural and functional homology with proinsulin. IGF-I activity is regulated primarily at the level of bioavailability by a family of specific IGF binding proteins (IGFBP). Data from genetic and epidemiological studies have identified low IGF-I levels as a risk factor for ischaemic heart disease. Consistent with this observation, studies from our own laboratory using a transgenic mouse model have shown that increased IGFBP-1 levels enhance production of nitric oxide, a potent vasoprotective molecule in the vasculature. The proposed studies will explore the role of altered IGF-I bioavailability in the pathogenesis of the cardiovascular complications of type 2 diabetes in animal models.

Candidates should have (or expect to have) at least an upper second class honours degree in Physiology or a relevant discipline. Some experience in whole animal physiology would be advantageous. The stipend is approx €16500 per annum plus full fees for EU nationals.

Informal Enquiries and applications to : Dr Paul Crossey

                                                            email paul.crossey@ucd.ie (please enclose a covering letter  along with a current cv which includes the names of 2   referees)

Closing date for applications:                August 11^th 2011

Commencement date:                            October 1^st 2011