Project Reference: TRG27-PDN-ER1

Project title: Obesity genetics: lessons on human metabolism from veterinary models 

Project outline

Why are some people prone to obesity and yet others stay lean even when they live in a similarly 'obesogenic' environment? Obesity is highly heritable as are related metabolic traits and appetite. We study obesity genetics in the round, starting with statistical genomics in animal models and following up novel genes with molecular and physiology experiments to provide mechanistic insight. There is scope to design a PhD project to suit your interests – read on to find out more. 

We take an innovative approach to gene discovery, deploying state of the art genomic mapping techniques in veterinary species – dogs, horses and farm animals are excellent models because selective breeding means they show exaggerated phenotypes and their genomes are tractable for gene mapping. This is complemented by comparative genomics in human populations (biobank scale & patient cohorts). 

The focus is on finding novel genes of relevance to both humans and animals. We follow genetic leads to discover new functional mechanisms, following the science to study diverse areas including CNS function, adipocyte biology, animal behaviour, physiology and gene-environment interaction. Take a look at our past publications to see how successful our integrated approach can be. 

A PhD project in our welcoming and diverse lab will be designed to suit each student and maximise their skill development. You might work entirely computationally or only at the bench, but most students do some of both, setting themselves up as well-rounded scientists with strong technical capabilities and knowledge of metabolic disease biology. 

Both computational and ‘bench’ scientists are welcome to apply – we have a strong track record of training students in new domains.

Potential students are encouraged to get in touch, explaining what interests you about our work, what kind of project you might be interested in and what makes you a strong candidate. 

Principal Supervisor

Dr Eleanor Raffan

Email address: er311@cam.ac.uk

Department / Partner Institute: Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (PDN)

Website: https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/people/eleanor-raffan

BBSRC strategic theme

Bioscience for an integrated understanding of health