PhD Studentship: Characterising skeletal muscle protein metabolism and dietary intake in adults with sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM) using non-invasive approaches

This project provides an annual stipend of £19,237. 

Project advert

Sporadic inclusion-body myositis (IBM) is a common idiopathic inflammatory myopathy in adults over 50, characterized by distal muscle weakness and resistance to pharmacological treatments. Patients typically experience progressive muscle weakness and disability, losing independent mobility within seven years, imposing significant healthcare costs. While physical therapies are recommended, the impact of dietary interventions remains unclear. Dietary protein affects muscle mass, strength, and function, yet there are no guidelines or data for protein consumption in IBM patients. Protein influences muscle mass through protein turnover, involving muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and breakdown (MPB). In healthy individuals, dietary protein boosts MPS and reduces MPB, leading to a net positive protein balance and muscle growth. However, in those with poor muscle quality, these processes are disrupted, a condition known as anabolic resistance, rendering general dietary protein guidelines unsuitable. It is still unknown whether IBM patients exhibit impaired responses to dietary protein. This PhD research aims to characterize dietary protein habits and metabolism in IBM, investigate muscle protein metabolism using non-invasive methods, and assess the effectiveness of increased protein intake interventions in this population.

Project aims and objectives

The primary aim of this PhD studentship is to characterise skeletal muscle protein metabolism in adults with inclusion body myositis. To address this aim, our individual objectives are:

• To characterise dietary intake, energy expenditure, the extent of dysphagia, muscle mass, strength, and function in individuals with inclusion body myositis.
• Assess muscle building and muscle breakdown in individuals with inclusion body myositis response to protein-ingestion.
• Investigate the effects of a chronic period of supplementing the diets of adults with inclusion body myositis with increased protein on protein metabolism, muscle mass, strength, function, and markers of quality of life.

Specific requirements of the candidate

Successful applicants will be active researchers in our world class Institute of Sport, and will be supported to develop their skills as independent researchers.

• Candidates should have an undergraduate degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent qualification in sport and exercise science or a related field.
• A Masters qualification in a relevant area would be desirable.
• Experience in quantitative research in areas relating to musculoskeletal health would be desirable.
• Applicants who have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK will be expected to demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in any section).

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr Paul Morgan(p.morgan@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Sports Medicine (or download the PGR application form).

You should also complete the (PGR thesis proposal and a Narrative CV) form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

Closing date: 14 October 2024. Expected start date: January 2025 for Home students and April 2025 for International students. 

Please quote the reference: SciEng-2024-IBM

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