The roles of muscle contraction and insulin on restoring glucose uptake with novel pharmaceutical and engineering solutions.
Fact file
| Duration |
Three to four years full-time |
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| Eligibility |
Funded; Home, EU or International Students |
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| Supervisor(s) |
Dr Matthew Brook, Prof Paul Greenhaff, Dr Dan Wilkinson, Prof Phil Atherton, Prof Phil Williams, Dr Ami Drory |
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| Application deadline |
Friday 19th July 2019 |
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About the project
During spaceflight astronauts display increased levels of circulating insulin and glucose demonstrating the development of insulin resistance. The consequences of short- and long-term development of insulin resistance during spaceflight are unclear but will have deleterious effects on whole body health. As such, the development of strategies to maintain insulin sensitivity during spaceflight is of great importance, particularly with the possibility of long-term voyages such as to mars. Studies utilizing bed rest or models of immobilisation have demonstrated a rapid onset of insulin resistance and suggest that a reduction in muscle contraction is primarily driving deficits in glucose disposal. Muscle loading and the actions of insulin are powerful drivers of glucose uptake into muscle and with astronauts exposed to prolonged periods of muscle unloading, may offer avenues to develop novel physical interventions.
This project aims to investigate i) muscle and plasma proteome alterations in immobilisation induced muscle atrophy ii) antidiabetic drugs to protect against immobilisation induced effects on glucose disposal iii) exercise requirements to restore insulin sensitivity using novel exercise equipment and engineering solutions.
Funding notes
This studentship is a 3.5-year funded studentship. Fully funded studentships are available for UK applicants. EU applicants who are able to confirm that they have been resident in the UK for at least three years before October 2019 may also be eligible for a full award. EU students who are not able to prove that they meet the residency criteria may apply for a fees only award.
Inquiries
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Matthew Brook at Matthew.Brook@nottingham.ac.uk or 01158230439