Glasgow Caledonian University -PhD Research Project Opportunity
Please note that as this project is not funded by a University studentship, the successful candidate will be required to
source external funding for the research degree fees and living expenses while studying at the university.
Project Reference number
Institute/Research groups
Research Discipline areas
2014SHLS028
Institute for Applied Health Research
-Managing and Living with Long-Term Conditions

Diabetes and Biomedical Science

Diabetes, lipid metabolism, cell to cell communication, translational
research, pharmacological ligands
Cell and molecular biology, pharmacology, diabetic animal models, lipid
biochemistry, protein biochemistry, biomolecular imaging

Research Theme
Project Title
Research Project Area
Supervisory Team

‘Type 2 diabetes’
Remodelling of Connexin43 during progression to the obese/diabetic state holds
translational value.
Expanded adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ releasing a variety of factors
that alters insulin tolerance and leads to progression to the obese/diabetic state.
Recently we determined that Connexin 43 (Cx43) is downregulated and post
translationally modified during adipogenesis. This protein is also remodelled in a
variety of tissues in diabetes yet the functional implications remain unresolved. We
will use diabetic models to study changes in Cx43 expression that occur during
progression to the obese/diabetic state. In addition, we will study the function of
Cx43 by comparing ‘wild type’ conditions with those where Cx43 expression is
reduced. The rate of lipid accumulation in adipose tissue in the two populations
will be analysed. The expression of Cx43 isolated from diverse tissue e.g. (adipose,
vascular, pulmonary and skin) will be explored in cell and molecular based assays
and pharmacology approaches will study vascular connexin mediated activity at set
timepoints. Intercellular signalling via these proteins is central to maintaining
tissue integrity. Agents that modify signalling behaviour are available and will be
subsequently used in vitro assays. The output of these experiments will provide
critical data on the changes in Cx43 expression and signalling that occur in tissue
networks in Type2 diabetes and will identify if targeting connexin behaviour holds
translational value.

Dr Patricia Martin (Director of Studies) DRG/BIO, IAHR; Department of Life
Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/hls/staff/drpatriciamartin/

Dr Yvonne Dempsie DRG/BIO, IAHR; Department of Life Sciences, School of
Health and Life Sciences
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/hls/staff/dryvonnedempsie/
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Staff Contact

Professor Annette Graham (Director of Studies) DRG/BIO, IAHR;
Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/hls/staff/professorannettegraham/



Dr Patricia Martin
Patricia.martin@gcu.ac.uk
0141 331 3726
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