PhD Studentship: 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 (https://www.beat-dkd.eu/). 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. 

For informal inquiries, please contact sam.xu@hyms.ac.uk

About the research cluster / about the research environment

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.

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.

Submission of thesis

Submission of your final thesis is expected within three years and three months from the start of your PhD scholarship for full-time and within five years and six months if studying part-time.

Eligibility and 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.

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 and will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover this. 

How to apply

Applications are via the University of Hull webpage  

Closing date for applications 

10 February 2022

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