Nasteska Group: Islet protein synthesis dynamics in health and type 2 diabetes

About the Research

Dr Nasteska’s work focuses on studying protein turnover dynamics in pancreatic islets. While insulin secretion and blood glucose regulation are the primary functional output from islets, protein turnover, especially protein synthesis, ensures islet robustness and normal function. Using photoconvertible fluorescent proteins, advanced cell resolution imaging and gene sequencing, the group is working on answering how protein synthesis dynamics changes over time and across different cell populations in rodent and human islets. The project will investigate normal dynamics in healthy islets, and further describe the changes of this process in type 2 diabetes. The goal is to produce novel type 2 diabetes drug targets and to understand how current therapies affect protein turnover.

The group is working closely with Prof David Hodson’s group, which looks in-depth into cellular metabolism and GPCR signalling in pancreatic islets. This setting allows close collaboration on their ongoing research projects and expertise sharing. In broader context, OCDEM is a home to several research groups working on liver metabolism, nutrition, obesity and circadian rhythms. The research environment is highly collaborative, with research seminars and workshops bringing all OCDEM students together.

Training Opportunities

The prospective student will be trained in techniques and skills specific to the field of islet biology. Cell line and primary tissue culture skills in the context of type 2 diabetes will be developed. The project will rely on using mouse models and human islets, allowing the student to become efficient in islet harvesting and keeping the tissue alive in culture. The student could also be trained in in vivo experimental work in mice.  Techniques for isolation and measurement of specific gene and protein levels will be routinely used.  The lab uses advanced microscopy with cell resolution imaging in fixed and live cells and islets, using chemical and viral probes, and will secure extensive training on different types of microscopes (conventional confocal microscopy, spinning disk confocal microscopy and dSTORM). Image analysis, data analysis and academic writing will be part of the training early on, allowing full training by the time of DPhil completion.

Students are encouraged to attend the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine DPhil Course, which takes place in the autumn of their first year. Running over several days, this course helps students to develop basic research and presentation skills, as well as introducing them to a wide range of scientific techniques and principles, ensuring that students have the opportunity to build a broad-based understanding of differing research methodologies.

Generic skills training is offered through the Medical Sciences Division's Skills Training Programme. This programme offers a comprehensive range of courses covering many important areas of researcher development: knowledge and intellectual abilities, personal effectiveness, research governance and organisation, and engagement, influence, and impact. Students are actively encouraged to take advantage of the training opportunities available to them.

As well as the specific training detailed above, students will have access to a wide range of seminars and training opportunities through the many research institutes and centres based in Oxford.

The Department has a successful mentoring scheme, open to graduate students, which provides an additional possible channel for personal and professional development outside the regular supervisory framework. We hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award in recognition of our efforts to build a happy and rewarding environment where all staff and students are supported to achieve their full potential.

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