Fabrice Jean Francois Laroche: What is the role of Chitin and LysM genes in zebrafish and other vertebrates?

Live imaging of healthy zebrafish eggs. Embryos are genetically modified via nanotechnology to over-express the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP).

The embryonic expression patterns of the potentially protective LysM gene oxidation resistance 1 (OXR1). Double in situ hybridisation showing OXR1A (red) and OXR1B/C splice variants expression (green) in 24 hours embryo.

Cells genetically modified to over-express the LysM gene oxidation resistance protein 2 (OXR2) tagged with eGFP. The zebrafish cells were counter-stained with a fluorescent nuclear dye (Hoechst blue).

5. april 2013 af Lisbeth Heilesen

Chitin is an ancient organic bio-polymer, found in abundance on land and at sea. However, knowledge on chitin functions in animals is lacking. In his research project, Fabrice Laroche studied responses to chitin in zebrafish embryos, and he described chitin signalling pathways.

Proteins related to chitin responses are increasingly being associated with human diseases. Recently, several lysin motif (LysM)-containing proteins were highlighted for their molecular affinity to chitin-like compounds. Addressing these matters, Fabrice Laroche identified zebrafish and human lysin motif-encoding genes and studied their roles – at the cellular level and during zebrafish development.

To improve the experimental methods, he developed nanotechnological strategies to genetically modify human embryonic kidney cells and zebrafish.

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

Time: Friday 5 April 2013 at 12.00
Place: INCUBA Science Park, building 3130, room 303, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, Aarhus
Title of dissertation: The functions of LysM proteins and chitin tetra-saccharides signalling pathways in zebrafish embryos
Contact information: Fabrice Laroche, larochefjf@chem.leidenuniv.nl
Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Jeroen den Hertog, Hubrecht Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Professor Cord Herbert Brakebusch, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen
Associate Professor Claus Oxvig (chair), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Main supervisor:
Professor Jens Stougaard, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics – Plant Molecular Biology, Aarhus University
Co-supervisor:
Professor Herman Spaink, Department of Biology, Leiden University, The Netherlands
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 1521, room 112,
8000 Aarhus C.