Vacancy (Readvertised)

Fully Funded PhD studentship available at the Institute of Food Research – Pectin: molecular models for bioactivity

Supervisors: Professor Keith Waldron, Dr Nigel Belshaw, Professor Vic Morris

Pectin, a component of fruits and vegetables, and a gelling and stabilising agent in processed foods, confers health benefits through its role as dietary fibre. New evidence has emerged that oral consumption of modified forms of pectin may slow the progression of a range of cancers. These effects are proposed to arise through released fragments of pectin molecules binding to and inhibiting roles played by the mammalian lectin galectin 3 (Gal3) – a key regulator of cellular homeostasis: Gal3 controls various stages in cancer metastasis. Recently it has been demonstrated at IFR that pectin-based galactans bind specifically to Gal3, suggesting that bioactivity is due to pectin galactans and arabinogalactans.

This project seeks to investigate the release of galactans/arabinogalactans from pectin on modification, to characterise the fragments produced, to assess effects of digestion conditions on the fragmentation pattern, to measure binding to galectins such as Gal3, and use cell culture techniques to test for bioactive roles, which would inhibit early changes in gut homeostasis, that would prevent onset of long-term chronic diseases such as cancer. There is a particular interest in investigating the potential for generation of fragments that can counteract the role of Gal3 in switching off programmed cell death (apoptosis).

The project offers the possibility to test key claims for the bioactive role of modified pectin and to establish, at molecular and cellular levels, whether such material in the diet can provide long-term protection against the onset of chronic diseases. Should such bioactivity be demonstrated then there are opportunities to explore methods for optimising production of novel modified pectin fibres that generate maximum benefit and could be used to supplement foods.

The research at IFR is in collaboration with the International Pectin Producers Association and offers a chance to carry out multi-disciplinary research on diet and health, using modern techniques in carbohydrate chemistry, biophysics and cell biology, in collaboration with multi-national pectin producers worldwide.

This is a BBSRC funded studentship with full funding to UK Nationals and EU Nationals who have resided in the UK (in full-time education or full-time residency) for 3 years prior to the start date of the studentship. In most other cases EU Nationals will receive funding to cover their tuition-fees only. The stipend for 2010/11 will be £ 13,600 per annum

Applications for this studentship are now open. The deadline for receipt of applications is 31st August 2010.

Please note, any successful applicants will be interviewed as part of a studentship competition.

How to Apply:
Please visit the 'How to apply' page of our website for further information and an application pack: http://www.ifr.ac.uk/students/admissions.htm

If you have any further questions please email: graduates.nrp@ifr.ac.uk

For further details contact
VJ Morris vic.morris@ifr.ac.uk
K Waldron keith.waldron@ifr.ac.uk
N Belshaw nigel.belshaw@ifr.ac.uk