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OVERVIEW
This project is the first study to investigate functional food with high content of odd-chain fatty acids in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Novel findings from this project will lend support to the food industry to develop products rich in odd-chain fatty acids for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Background: Perturbation of lipid metabolism is closely associated with the development of metabolic disease. Human cohort studies have demonstrated the important biological significance of odd-chain fatty acids in human diseases. For instance, odd-chain fatty acids, C17:0 and C15:0, have been shown to reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis via increase the fluidity of membranes to a similar degree as polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, the effect of odd-chain fatty acids on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is unclear.
Objective and Specific Aims: The overarching goal of this project is to define the extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated non-coding RNAs induced by odd chain fatty acids as key determinants on the metabolic remodelling of cardiomyocyte and arterial endothelial cell and explore the therapeutic potential of odd-chain fatty acids on CVD.
Aim-1: Determine the effect of odd-chain fatty acids on mitochondrial integrity and fatty acids -oxidation in human cardiomyocyte and vascular endothelial cell.
Aim-2: Define non-coding RNA profile associated with the secreted EVs from the odd-chain fatty acids (C15:0 and C17:0) treated cardiomyocyte and arterial endothelial cell in metabolic remodelling.
Aim-3: Explore the therapeutic potential of odd-chain fatty acids in animal models of CVD via the mediation of non-coding RNAs.
Significance: Novel findings from this project will lend support to the dairy industry to produce dairy products fortified with odd-chain fatty acids which may benefit the prevention and treatment of CVD.
Research Information
PhD Supervisors
Information on the research interests and activities of academics in Biological Sciences can be accessed via the School website and the Find a Supervisor facility.
Career Prospects
Introduction
Queen’s postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as the DegreePlus/Future Ready Award, bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally. Career prospects in the biological sciences are exceptionally good. To some extent it depends on the specific topic, of course, but laboratory-based and especially quantitative skills and the proven innovation of a PhD or MPhil are highly sought after. Degrees are very much in demand, both in commercial science and public sector research and development (e.g. drug discovery and development, crop and animal improvements and welfare, sustainable agriculture and resource use, human nutrition and health, animal health, ecological management, food safety and technology, scientific communications, regulation, and many more fields).
Employment after the Course
Graduates have gone on to be professional research scientists, consultants, or hold technical and junior executive positions in commerce and government.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant subject from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.
International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
International students wishing to apply to Queen’s University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen’s University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Find a supervisor
If you’re interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.
To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.
You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.
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Follow a channel you care about (Graduate → Post-PhD).