The process of transcription is a crucial step in the conversion of the information stored in the individual genes into functional elements in the cells. Correct regulation of this process is therefore important, and failure can result in development of serious diseases like cancer.

During his Ph.D.-studies, Morten Rødgaard has been involved in two projects. In the first he has investigated the importance of DNA topoisomerases in the regulation of transcription. These enzymes are essential for processes involving DNA, as they constantly remove the strain generated in the DNA, when the two DNA strands are separated to gain access to the genetic information. He has found that the enzymes are required in specific steps during activation of the group of genes, which are expressed in a highly regulated way. In the second project he has developed a system, which can be used to investigate the cellular responses to the collision between the transcription machinery and a protein-DNA cleavage complex. He has studied what happens to the RNA polymerase itself and how the protein-DNA complex is repaired. Knowledge about the proteins involved in the repair of these complexes is of great importance in cancer treatment, as cancer chemotherapeutics targeting DNA topoisomerases work through this complex. Repair of the complex therefore counteracts the effect of the drug treatment.

The Ph.D. 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: Monday 18 May 2015 at 14.00
Place: Building 1531, room 119, Lecture Theatre D2, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 118, 8000 Aarhus C
Title of dissertation: DNA Topoisomerases in Transcription
Contact information: Morten Rødgaard, mroed@mbg.au.dk, +45 51261069
Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Neil Osheroff, Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, USA.
Professor Michael Lisby, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK.
Professor Finn Skou Pedersen (chair), Institut for Molekylærbiologi og Genetik, Aarhus University.
Main supervisor:
Associate Professor Anni Hangaard Andersen, Institut for Molekylærbiologi og Genetik, Aarhus University.