During her PhD studies, Maja Holch Nielsen analysed the structure of a yeast protein called TSA2. This protein belongs to a family of proteins present in all organisms. This family of proteins has the ability to switch between different functions. Under some conditions they function as antioxidants, protecting the cell from oxidative stress. Under other conditions they function as chaperones, preventing other proteins from forming aggregates, which can harm the cell, and are associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Using x-ray crystallography, Maja Holch Nielsen has determined the atomic structure of TSA2. This work contributed to a deeper understanding of factors, which can affect the tendency of TSA2 to switch from antioxidant to chaperone function. It also revealed differences between TSA2 and a closely associated protein called TSA1.  

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

This résumé was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Tuesday 24 May 2016 at 14:15.
Place: The iNANO auditorium, building 1593, room 012, Gustav Wieds vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C.
Title of dissertation: Structural studies of the yeast peroxiredoxin TSA2
Contact information: Maja Holch Nielsen, e-mail: mhn0904@mbg.au.dk, tel.: +45 50872078
Members of the assessment committee:
Professor of Medical Biochemistry John Gordon Lindsay, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow
Professor Michael Gajhede, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen
Associate professor Charlotte R. Knudsen (chair), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Main supervisor:
Associate professor Ditlev Egeskov Brodersen, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Co-supervisor:
Associate Professor Lasse Bohl Jenner, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, 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 1520, rooms 128-134, 8000 Aarhus C.