During her PhD studies, Malene Runge Jepsen investigated the function of two proteins, Stanniocalcin-1 and -2. Previous studies had demonstrated that high levels of these proteins in mice result in dwarfism, but the reason for this was unknown. In this PhD study the mechanism behind this growth reduction was uncovered, as Stanniocalcin-1 and -2 were demonstrated to inhibit pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), which is highly recognized to regulate mammalian growth. These findings may explain the involvement of Stanniocalcin-1 and -2 in human reproduction and disease, where PAPP-A is also involved.

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 20 May 2016 at 13.00
Place: Building 1531, room 219, Auditorium D4, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 116, 8000 Aarhus C
Title of dissertation: Identification of Stanniocalcin-1 and -2 as novel inhibitors of Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A
Contact information: Malene Runge Jepsen, e-mail: malenerj@mbg.au.dk, tel.: +45 2160 7322
Members of the assessment committee:
Associate professor, Director & Senior Oncology Scientist Gabriel DiMattia, Depts of On-cology, Ob/Gyn, Biochemistry, Division of Experimental Oncology, The University of West-ern Ontario London, Ontario, CANADA
Professor Anders Juul, Department of Growth and Reproduction & EDMaRC, RIGSHOSPITALET, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Associate professor Anni Hangaard Andersen (chair), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark
Main supervisor:
Professor Claus Oxvig, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Language: The 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.