Study of childhood obesity on life span and immunity in an animal model

• Funding – self-funded/externally sponsored applicants   (PhD Fees can be found here)
• Applications are accepted all year round
• Standard Entry dates – January and September

• Applicants are expected to have a degree (equivalent of Honours or Masters) in a relevant discipline.

   

  Obesity affects up to 20% of children and adolescents. 22% of children aged 6 to 15 years were obese in the UK in 2022 [1]. Obesity disproportionately affects economically disadvantaged and certain ethnic groups indicating both genetic and dietary contributors to obesity. A majority of obese children go on to become obese adults with comorbidities and many experience early mortality. Childhood obesity is linked to increased risk of non-communicable diseases, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and altered immune response. Obesity in children also leads to chronic inflammatory status due to changes in the levels of cytokines, adipokines and innate and adaptive immune cells [2]. In this study, we will focus on understanding the mechanistic bases of altered immunity to infection in an animal model of diet-induced obesity in early life. 

Caenorhabditis elegans is a genetically tractable nematode/roundworm used for studying lipid metabolism, adiposity (fat accumulation), ageing and immune response to infection with pathogens. Diet-induced adiposity leads to shortened life span in the worms [3]. We will test the effect of obesogenic (obesity-inducing) diets in early development of C. elegans worms on later (adult) events. They will be fed non obesogenic diets till adulthood and tested for (i) appetite for obesogenic diet, (ii) resistance to heat and oxidative stress, (iii) mortality due to infection with 4 medically relevant bacterial pathogens, and (iv) life span [4-5]. Using RNAseq and proteomics, we will uncover the signalling pathways dysregulated due to early life obesity leading to adverse outcome in adulthood. This will be followed up with study of similar mechanisms in mammals in follow up studies.

The student will acquire training in gene editing and microinjection in C. elegans. The student will also acquire training in lipid droplet staining, fatty acid analysis, stress response and infection assays in C. elegans.  The student will be provided additional training in scientific writing, statistical analyses and data management and other courses at University of Dundee. The student will also receive mentoring support during career transition.  The student will also be supported in efforts to engage with the public during Open Day event at University of Dundee. 

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research.  We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.

 REFERENCES: 

1. Obesity Profile: statistical commentary, November 2024 - GOV.UK
2. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2020 Dec;32(6):805-815. doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000000953. PMID: 33105275,
3. Cell Metab. 2009 Nov;10(5):379-91. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2009.10.003. PMID: 19883616.
4. Aging Cell. 2020 Jun;19(6):e13160. doi: 10.1111/acel.13160. Epub 2020 May 20. PMID: 32432390.

EMBO J. 2021 Jul 1;40(13):e106938. doi: 10.15252/embj.2020106938. Epub 2021 Jun 4. PMID: 34086368.