Unravelling the Intricacies of Stress Hormone Regulation

About the Project

Project Overview:

The proopiomelanocortin (POMC) pathway is a crucial signaling cascade involved in regulating various physiological processes, including our response to stress, metabolism, immune function, and pigmentation. POMC is a large precursor protein that undergoes proteolytic cleavage to yield several bioactive peptides, each with distinct functions. Dysregulation of the pathway result in clinical conditions such as Cushing’s Syndrome and Addison’s Disease. The adrenal gland plays a pivotal role during periods of chronic stress and is dependent on the constant stimulation from POMC peptides to maintain its size, structure, and functionality.

This project will investigate the regulatory mechanisms that govern the response of the adrenal cortex to POMC-derived peptides. Our previous work has investigated a part of POMC called pro-gamma-MSH which undergoes cleavage within the adrenal, to generate a mitogenic peptide that stimulates the proliferation of adrenal cells. The student will investigate mechanisms by which pro-gamma-MSH, via its receptor, stimulates adrenal growth using both in vivo rodents and in vitro cell culture models.

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic candidate with a background in biology, or a related field to join our team. The project will provide a training in a wide range of techniques including tissue culture, immunoblotting, molecular cloning, peptide purification/characterization and immunoassay.

Bicknell research group:

The Bicknell group is interested in peptide hormone synthesis and processing in humans, specializing in the mammalian stress axis. The lab focuses on the biological roles of peptide hormones with a special interest in pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) with the research group usually composed of 2-4 PhD students, Masters and undergraduate students.

School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, provides world-class research education programs. The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, a 30-minute train ride to central London and 40 minutes from London Heathrow airport.

Our School of Biological Sciences conducts high-impact research, tackling current global challenges faced by society and the planet. Our research ranges from understanding and improving human health and combating disease, through to understanding evolutionary processes and uncovering new ways to protect the natural world. In 2020, we moved into a stunning new ~£60 million Health & Life Sciences building. This state-of-the-art facility is purpose-built for science research and teaching. It houses the Cole Museum of Zoology, a café and social spaces.

In the School of Biological Sciences, you will be joining a vibrant community of ~180 PhD students representing ~40 nationalities. Our students publish in high-impact journals, present at international conferences, and organise a range of exciting outreach and public engagement activities.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision in one-to-one and small group sessions. You will have access to cutting-edge technology and learn the latest research techniques. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. If English is not your first language, the University's excellent International Study and Language Institute will help you develop your academic English skills.

The University of Reading is a welcoming community for people of all faiths and cultures. We are committed to a healthy work-life balance and will work to ensure that you are supported personally and academically.

Eligibility:

Applicants should have a good degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent) in Biology or a strongly-related discipline. Applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional courses that can help with meeting these requirements. With a commitment to improving diversity in science and engineering, we encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD in Biological Sciences via our online application system

Further information:

https://www.reading.ac.uk/biological-sciences/research

Enquiries:

Dr Andrew Bicknell, email: A.B.Bicknell@reading.ac.uk

Funding Notes

We welcome applications from self-funded students worldwide for this project.
If you are applying to an international funding scheme, we encourage you to get in contact as we may be able to support you in your application.

References

Bicknell AB. 60 Years of POMC: N-terminal POMC peptides and adrenal growth. J Mol Endocrinol. 2016 May;56(4):T39-48. doi: 10.1530/JME-15-0269.
Bicknell AB, Lomthaisong K, Woods RJ, Hutchinson EG, Bennett HP, Gladwell RT, Lowry PJ. Characterization of a serine protease that cleaves pro-gamma-melanotropin at the adrenal to stimulate growth. Cell. 2001 Jun 29;105(7):903-12. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(01)00403-2.