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OVERVIEW
Enteroendocrine cells are the most abundant endocrine cell-type in the human body. These are specialised gastrointestinal cells secreting hormones into either the circulation (for systemic actions), the extracellular space (for paracrine signalling), or to the enteric nervous system (for stimulation of nerve endings). The lumen of the gastrointestinal tract is colonised by a diverse range of highly mutualistic microbiota which have various effects on the development and function of the gut-specific immune system. There is some information to suggest that the microbiota interact with enteroendocrine cells but the mechanisms appear complex and at present are poorly understood.
Microbiota-enteroendocrine crosstalk may involve the production of multiple bioactive small molecule metabolites which are either directly produced by the gut microbiota or by the metabolism of dietary components. This PhD project will investigate how commensal bacteria regulate the production of metabolites, and how these microbiota-derived products influence the function of several enteroendocrine cell types and the secretion.
After careful literature review a comprehensive list of important microbial metabolites will be drawn up, the compounds will be obtained and screened and their cytological actions on enteroendocrine cell lines using techniques such as tissue culture and High Content Analysis. The various compounds will likely be the microbial breakdown products of polysaccharides, tryptophan, bile acids, arginine and histidine, but they could extend to recently discovered microbial metabolites occurring in vegetarian, carnivorous or mixed diets. The project will then undertake detailed mechanistic studies to investigate how metabolites interact with cells and their probable synergistic effects in regulating hormone secretion and human metabolite.
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.
Want fewer missed deadlines?
Follow a channel you care about (Graduate → Post-PhD).