microRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules playing an important role in the regulation of gene expression by binding to mRNAs and preventing them from being translated into proteins. During her PhD studies, Trine Ilsø Jensen researched the non-coding miRNAs and the regulation of these.

Trine Ilsø Jensen has established a new method to investigate the gene structure of these miRNAs using a mutated Drosha protein and deep sequencing, which could potentially provide information about their own regulation. Furthermore, she contributed to the study of a circular RNA molecule found to function as a miRNA “sponge” (ciRS-7), which binds to a specific miRNA (miR-7) and inactivates its function. The biogenesis and function of this circular RNA was further investigated.

The new research findings contribute to our knowledge about how these microRNAs themselves are subjected to regulation, which may lead to a deeper understanding of the complex regulatory circuit that are found within cells.

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: Monday, 9 May 2016 at 13.15
Place: Building 1252, room 204, Eduard Biermann Lecture Theatre, Bartholins Allé 3, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C
Title of dissertation: Towards an understanding of miRNA regulation
Contact information: Trine Ilsø Jensen, e-mail: trinej@inano.au.dk, tel.: +45 2240 4152
Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Irene Bozzoni, Department of Biology and Biotechnology (BBCD), University of Rome, Italy
Associate Professor Peter Brodersen, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen
Associate Professor Ernst-Martin Füchtbauer (chair), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Main supervisor:
Professor Jørgen Kjems, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, and iNANO, Aarhus University
Co-supervisor:
Assistant professor Thomas Birkballe Hansen, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, and iNANO, 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 1521, room 112, 8000 Aarhus C.