Frank Horsbøl Iversen: Binding of small interfering RNA molecules

During his PhD studies, Frank Iversen carried out research into small interfering RNA (siRNA). siRNA can be used to interfere with some of the cell’s other RNA molecules – known as messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. mRNA is the main cause of protein being produced from information hidden in our genes.

It can sometimes be interesting that a particular protein is not produced, for example if this protein is a contributing factor to cancer. In this respect, siRNA is useful because it can be rationally designed to target a particular gene and thereby ensure that protein is not produced from this gene. There are certain obstacles, however, and these must be overcome before the potential in siRNA can be utilised. Problems such as supplying siRNA must be solved. siRNA is very fragile, and can therefore easily be destroyed before it gets to the right part of the body. The research results achieved by Frank Iversen contribute to the understanding of how to protect siRNA from being broken down, at the same time as getting it to the predetermined place in the body.

The PhD degree was completed at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre (iNANO), Science and Technology, Aarhus University.

Time: Wednesday 12 September 2012 at 10.15
Place: Blue Lecture Theatre, Victor Albeck Building, Aarhus University
Title of dissertation: RNA interference in drug delivery. Delivery of targeted siRNA without carrier systems
Contact information: Frank Horsbøl Iversen, fi@c.dk
Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Jens Kurreck, Department of Applied Biochemistry, TU Berlin, Germany
Associate Professor Hanne Mørck Nielsen, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen
Associate Professor Birgitta R. Knudsen (chair), iNANO and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Main supervisor:
Professor Jørgen Kjems, iNANO and 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 1521, room 112, 8000 Aarhus C.