The IFT-A complex contains six subunits and together with the IFT-B complex, plays a central role in the assembly and maintenance of cilia. Mutations in all the six human IFT-A genes can cause a set of diseases. Detailed molecular and structural studies of the IFT-A proteins are highly needed. During her PhD studies, Jiaolong Wang performed the structural and biochemical studies of the IFT-A proteins and investigated the IFT-A interactions with IFT-B and liposomes. The new research findings contribute to the understanding of how the IFT-A complex interacts with IFT-B and plays a novel IFT-A mediated vesicle coating function.

The PhD degree was completed at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Natural Sciences, Aarhus University. This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Friday, 8 April 2022 at 13:30
Place: Building 1531, room 113 Aud-D1, Department of Mathematics, Aarhus University
Title of PhD thesis: Structural analysis of recombinant IFT-A complexes and characterization of the association with liposomes and the IFT-B1 complex
Contact information: Jiaolong Wang, e-mail: wangjl@mbg.au.dk, tel.: +45 81942211

Members of the assessment committee:

• Professor Søren Tvorup Christensen, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
• Senior Researcher Atlanta G. Cook, Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland
• Professor Finn Skou Pedersen, (chairman) Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark

Main supervisor:
Associate Professor Esben Lorentzen, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark

Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English.

The defence is public.

The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Natural Sciences/GSNS, Katrinebjergvej 89F, building 5132, 8200 Aarhus N.