PhD Studentship: Skeletal Muscle Sex Differences: An in Vitro Model of Gender Affirmation Hormone Therapy

This project has a start date of October 2024.

Skeletal muscle (SkM) performs a crucial role in movement and athletic performance, however there are distinct molecular and phenotypic differences between the sexes. Recently, the debate regarding sex-based differences in athletic performance has been reignited following the inclusion of transgender athletes in competitive sporting events. Subsequently the overall aim of this project is to gain a greater understanding of sex variations in SkM and to what degree these differences are driven by specific sex hormones.

In humans, males possess greater absolute force production likely due to a higher proportion of type II (fast) twitch fibres which possess larger cross-sectional areas. Conversely, female SkM has a higher expression of lipid metabolism associated genes, which together with the increased distribution of type I (slow twitch) fibres increases resistance to fatigue. However, the mechanisms by which these differences occur are not fully understood. Furthermore, there is currently a lack of empirical evidence regarding how the biological events that underpin gender transition in SkM may induce a competitive physical advantage or potentially contribute to negative health outcomes. Ultimately, there is a clear requirement for robust data to inform the development of more precise participation guidelines. To date, the majority of studies investigating gender transition within musculoskeletal function have either exploited animal models (whereby inter-species translation of outputs is poor), or human interventions conducted after gender re-assignment has been initiated. In vivo assessment of gender transition whereby two individuals of identical sex, genetic and environmental backgrounds simultaneously either undergo transition or remain their biological sex is an experimental impossibility. However, this is feasible in in vitro modelling. As such there is a clear need for the development of high-throughput human SkM models which recapitulate sex differences. We therefore have three main objectives; Objective 1) to quantify molecular differences in skeletal muscle tissue between the sexes, Objective 2) develop two high-throughput in vitro human SkM models: one male and one female, Objective 3) to further develop the model sophistication, incorporating a capacity to assess performance benefits following hormonal gender transition.

Primary supervisor: Hannah Dugdale

Entry requirements:

Potential applicants should have at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in sport and exercise science, human physiology, biochemistry or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the above areas will be an advantage.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:

The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of is £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.

Bench fees required: No

How to apply

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select Sport Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/HFDAL in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

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