Exercise and DNA intragene damage

Summary

Exercise yields several biological and metabolic adaptations, diminishing the risk of several disease states. Despite these beneficial effects, prolonged and/or strenuous high-intensity exercise increases the production of reactive oxygen species, which can impair normal cell function, and compromise DNA integrity.  Previous work from our laboratory has observed nucleotide base oxidation alongside oxidative damage to single and double-stranded DNA following exhaustive exercise. More recently we have shown that a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant attenuates global DNA damage (PMID: 32810739). Although these observations are important to further our understanding of high-intensity exercise and oxidative stress, these data provide no indication as to whether exercise can compromise a region (promoter, exon, intron) aligned to a particular gene of interest, and this may be important for genome stability. As such, the primary aim of this project is to ascertain the effects of high-intensity exercise on intragene damage.

This PhD studentship will involve undertaking several studies designed to determine the relationship between exercise and gene modifications. The completion of this work will require the extraction of cell genetic material following exercise across a range of intensities and durations. This PhD studentship will build on our history of work aligned to exercise-induced DNA modification and will merge the scientific domains of Exercise Biochemistry with Molecular Biology. The PhD researcher will gain experience in a range of biochemistry based techniques. We plan to use the most-up-to-date molecular techniques designed to quantify DNA damage and gene stability, and over the duration of the studentship, the successful candidate will gain experience in RT-PCR, EPR spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, HPLC, and cell culture.

This PhD studentship would suit a graduate from the areas of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Health, Molecular Biology, Stratified Medicine or Biomedical Science. The successful applicant should have a good knowledge of exercise biochemistry and a sound knowledge of wet laboratory techniques would be an advantage. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively through oral and written means is also a desirable quality

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.