Metabolite GPCR Control of Insulin Signalling in 3D Cultured Adipocytes
Supervisors
Brian Hudson, University of Glasgow
Summary
Insulin is an important hormone that controls our metabolism. When insulin signalling does not function properly it leads to metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes. One important tissue where insulin signalling can be affected is adipose. G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of signalling proteins and have the potential to modulate insulin signalling. In particular, a group of GPCRs that are expressed in adipose tissue and respond to various metabolites may be important.
During this project you will employ advanced in vitro cell culture approaches, including 3D culture and adipocyte immune cell co-culture to define how metabolite sensing GPCRs control insulin signalling in adipocytes. This information will help us understand how to develop new treatments for metabolic disorders. While completing this PhD you will learn key skills in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular pharmacology, and drug discovery research. You will learn how to use genetically encoded biosensors to study cellular signaling in living cells and learn advanced microscopy techniques to visualise key aspects of insulin signaling in adipocytes. This studentship will provide critical skills needed for a career in either academic or industrial research.