Reengineering a mitochondrial peptide to rescue diabetic heart dysfunction

About the project

About the Project Type 2 diabetes is New Zealand’s fastest-growing chronic disease and a major reason why many people die early from heart failure. One of the biggest problems is that the heart’s mitochondria, the tiny “power stations” inside each cell, cannot produce enough energy to keep the heart pumping well. This energy shortage happens early in diabetes, long before symptoms appear, but we still don’t know whether fixing mitochondrial health can directly improve heart function. A recently discovered mitochondrial peptide helps cells make energy and cope with stress. It shows real promise as a future therapy, but it breaks down very quickly in the body, meaning it may not work well enough in its current form. This PhD project aims to engineer improved versions of peptides that last longer, enter cells more effectively, and better support the energy needs of the diabetic heart. You will use cutting-edge tools, including peptide design, super-resolution microscopy, and high-resolution respirometry, to test how modified peptides behave in heart cells under diabetes-like stress. You will then evaluate their metabolism and therapeutic potential in a well-established diabetic rat model. By linking peptide structure to mitochondrial function and heart performance, this project will uncover new biological insights and help identify next-generation peptide analogues with genuine therapeutic potential for diabetic heart disease. Desired Skills Bachelor’s or master’s degree in bioengineering or biomedical sciences Experimental physiology would be desirable Find out more about this project and other projects on our website here. The Auckland Bioengineering Institute - breaking boundaries in bioengineering for more than 20 years At the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), we apply engineering and technical innovation to advancing medical care, human capability, and understanding of human physiology. Our team of world-renowned researchers are working on everything from artificial intelligence avatars, to implantable devices, to digital models of the human body. Our focus on research excellence and commercialisation adds value to society and to the global economy. Our research makes a real difference in the world. We’ve designed sensors to diagnose stomach disease without needing invasive surgery; developed a tiny wireless implantable device to measure brain pressure and save the lives of children with hydrocephalus; and we lead the world in building digital models of the human body which will enhance personalised medicine approaches for improved diagnosis and treatment. Join our team of researchers for a postgraduate degree and together we can make a difference. Our graduates are amongst the most employable in the world - many either continue their career in research, find employment with industry leaders such as Rocket Lab or Fisher & Paykel, or launch their own startup companies. Our students come from over 50 different countries and a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, including Engineering, Medicine, Mathematics and Science. Want to know what our students think about studying at the ABI? Watch this video!

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