The protease urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) is an enzyme that promotes the spread of cancer cells by destroying normal tissue. It is important to control the spread of the cancer both before and after tumour removal.

An increased amount of uPA in the blood occurs with some types of cancer. Inhibiting uPA reduces tumour formation and the spread of cancer. During the course of her PhD studies, Zhuo Liu focused on the development of different uPA inhibitors. These include synthetically produced peptides and monoclonal antibodies. She found new molecular mechanisms that could be important for the development of new inhibitors for cancer treatment.

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

Time: Tuesday 21 August 2012 at 13.15
Place: 3131-303, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Forskerparken Gustav Wieds Vej, room 303, Aarhus University
Title of dissertation: Inhibitory mechanisms of peptides and antibodies targeting murine urokinase-type plasminogen activator
Contact information: Zhuo Liu, zhuoliu@mb.au.dk
Members of the assessment committee:
Associate Professor Jacky Chi Ki Ngo, School of Life Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Group Leader Michael Ploug, Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, and Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen
Professor Jørgen Kjems (chair), iNANO and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Main supervisor:
Professor Peter Andreasen, 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.