The liver is a self-renewing organ that maintains its physiological activity during homeostasis via a fascinating and highly complex process named liver regeneration. This process also allows the liver to fully restore its mass and function after being challenged (with drugs/toxins) or surgically resected within 10 days in rodents and 6-8 weeks in humans.

The liver is the main metabolic organ of the body where the synthesis of essential metabolites occurs, feeding the whole body with glucose, lipids, proteins and bile acids. The liver cannot do this alone and needs the intestine to extract nutrients from the food we eat, providing the liver with the building blocks needed for its metabolic activity. Unfortunately, our body faces constant challenges, some involving the loss of function of the liver that needs to regenerate in unfavourable conditions.

To gain a better understanding of how the liver regenerates will enable us to propose strategies to preserve and improve liver metabolic function and overall whole-body health.
The aim of this project is to define the mechanisms underpinning liver regeneration and more specifically, to determine the role of specific intestinal metabolic regulators in this process.

To do this, the PhD student will learn in vivo techniques including animal handling and complex surgical procedures, as well as isolation of primary cells for in vitro studies. The student will receive training in cellular biology methodologies including, analysis of nucleic acids by qPCR and proteins by western blot, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. The student will also learn to characterise the immune response by FACS.
This training will provide the student a series of valuable transferable skills essential for the progression of her/his scientific career.

The project will be carried out at the Quadram institute, a brand-new building co-housing research laboratories with clinical facilities, combining basic with biomedical research.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP). Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed as part of the studentship competition. Candidates will be interviewed on either the 8th, 9th or 10th January 2019.
The NRP DTP offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship (PIPS) during their study. The internship offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.

Ref: berazaq19dtp

For further information and to apply, please visit  http://www.biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk or contact Dr Naiara Beraza