The urokinase type plasminogen activation system consists of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), which catalyzes the activation of plasminogen. Generated plasmin can then degrade extracellular matrix components promoting cell migration. The activity of uPA is controlled by the fast-acting inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Due to the relevance to human the system is well studied in mammals, however, little is known for non-mammalian species.

During her studies, Agnieszka Jendroszek focused on the evolution of the urokinase type plasminogen activation system. She found that interface residues of uPA, PAI?1 and plasminogen co-vary among vertebrates and are important species specificity determinants of both, human and zebrafish proteins. These results not only provide an insight into the non-mammalian plasminogen activation system, but also contribute to understanding of how the system components evolved together to maintain their functions.

The PhD degree was completed at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Technology, Aarhus University.

This résumé is prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Friday 27 May 2016 at 11:15
Place: Building 1252, room 204, Eduard Biermann lecture hall, Lake Side Lecture Halls, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C
Title of dissertation: Co-evolution of a serine protease, its protein substrate and its serpin inhibitor
Contact information: Agnieszka Jendroszek, e-mail: agnijen@mbg.au.dk, tel.: +45 52709965
Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Simon Lovell, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
Professor Michael Toft Overgaard, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Denmark
Associate professor Ernst-Martin Füchtbauer (chair), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Main supervisor:
Professor Peter Andre Andreasen, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Co-supervisor:
Associate Professor Jan Kristian Jensen, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.
The dissertation is available for reading at the Graduate School of Science and Technology/GSST, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1520, rooms 128-134, 8000 Aarhus C.