Postdoctoral Researcher at CBMR, University of Copenhagen
Overview
Exploring how impairment of phosphorylation-dependent activation of muscle glycogen phosphorylase and glycogen breakdown impacts glucose utilization and metabolism.
Background
Glycogen is a primary form of energy storage that is essential for physical activity and glucose homeostasis. Previous studies have demonstrated the relationship between muscle glycogen and type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by disturbed glucose metabolism. Muscle glycogen phosphorylase (PYGM) is a rate-limiting enzyme in glycogen breakdown during exercise and prolonged fasting. We have generated a novel knock-in mouse model where the phosphorylation site required for PYGM activation and glycogen breakdown is mutated, resulting in aberrantly excessive accumulation of glycogen in muscle.
The project
The aim of this project is to investigate how glucose utilization and metabolism is altered when muscle glycogen degradation is impaired. You will perform multiple ex vivo experiments with isolated skeletal muscles exposed to various stimuli, such as muscle contractions and different hormones, and measure glucose uptake, glucose oxidation and glucose incorporation into glycogen using isotope tracers. You will also assess muscle glucose uptake in vivo in response to treadmill exercise. Furthermore, the student will investigate how glucose metabolism is impacted when these mice are subjected to chronic lipid overload (high fat diet feeding).
The student
We are looking for a Master student who is curious, willing to learn cutting edge science and perform robust experiments. Having a FELASA certification is desirable. Reach out to hear more about becoming a part of our brilliant team and make impactful discoveries.
Time frame: 6mo-1year, Start date: Flexible, November’23-March’24
Please note this project does not come with a scholarship, but is an internship-type project for a Master’s student completing their degree.
Contact:
Dipsikha Biswas, dipsikha.biswas@sund.ku.dk
Group: Sakamoto Group
Twitter: @itsmedipsikha Lab Twitter: @LabSakamoto
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dipsikha-biswas-b3093939/
Duration of the project is between 6-18months. Having a FELASA certification is preferred but not mandatory. Interested candidates will be invited for a chat on a rolling basis. Start date is flexible (November’23- March’24). Applications are open from now and deadline is till the 31st of January 2024. For more information, please visit the link below:
Please note: We are looking for an internship student who is already in their Master’s program. This is not a full scholarship. However, there is scope for the selected candidate to apply for studentships to support their stay during the project.
Postdoctoral Researcher at CBMR
