Determine the metabolic regulatory role of Δ133p53 isoform in obesity

Overview

Obesity is a significant health issue in Aotearoa, affecting 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 9 children, with numerous associated health complications.

Our preliminary studies have shown that mice expressing a variant of the tumour suppressor p53, known as Δ122p53 (analogous to the human Δ133p53), exhibit notably less weight gain on a high-fat diet compared to control mice.

We are seeking a motivated postgraduate student with a background in health science who is interested in metabolic diseases to join our research team. This exciting project will focus on the impact of Δ122p53 on metabolic pathways and will involve:

• Treating Δ122p53 and control mice with a high-fat diet
• Assessing the effects of Δ122p53 on food intake, physical activity (energy expenditure), and metabolic hormones related to obesity and diabetes.

The aim of this research is to uncover the metabolic regulatory role of Δ122p53/Δ133p53 and to explore potential strategies for preventing and treating obesity.

If you have a strong background in health science and a passion for metabolic research, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Useful information

• Graduate research at the University of Otago
• Scholarships at the University of Otago