In most animals, the germline is protected by defense systems, like Argonaute proteins, which regulate genes and silence harmful genetic elements to ensure safe transmission of genetic information.

Malte Grewoldt studied genome defense in the black-winged fungus gnat (Bradysia coprophila), a species with unusual reproductive biology. He discovered duplications of Argonaute genes, which may have evolved new roles in genome protection and regulation. Argonaute proteins play key roles in the female reproductive system and may be passed from mother to offspring to regulate the genome early in development. The research sheds light on how these defense systems impact inheritance and fertility, ensuring the transmission of genetic material across generations.

The PhD study was completed at the Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Friday, 27 September 2024 at 13:00
Place: Building 1870, Room 816, Faculty Club, Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C
Title of PhD thesis: Small RNA Biology and Transposable Elements in Bradysia coprophila
Contact information: Malte Grewoldt, E-mail: malte.grewoldt@mbg.au.dk, Tel.: +4526839828

Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Ronald van Rij, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Radboud University, The Netherlands
Professor Alexander Suh, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Germany
Chair: Professor Kasper Røjkjær Andersen, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University

Supervisors:
Main supervisor: Associate Professor Christian Kroun Damgaard, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University

Co-Supervisor: Assistant Professor Peter Ebert Andersen, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University

Co-Supervisor: Professor Laura Ross, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh

Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defense is public.

The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Natural Sciences/GSNS, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, 8000 Aarhus C.