MicroRNAs are tiny RNA molecules, that do not encode proteins, but in turn, play important roles in gene expression regulation. The functions of hundreds of microRNAs have been characterized, revealing that they influence numerous molecular processes. However, little is known about the changes in the chemical composition of microRNAs, referred to as RNA modifications, and how these influence the functions of microRNAs. During her PhD studies, Marie C.B. Lorans, characterized the type of RNA modifications and their abundances within microRNAs in human cells. Furthermore, Marie C.B. Lorans, developed a high-throughput method to identify where these modifications occur on the microRNAs. The research findings contribute to the understanding of RNA modifications in microRNAs. The results also direct further studies that aim to understand the functional impact of these RNA modifications on microRNA function.

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

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Tuesday, 7 June 2022 at 13:00
Place: Building 1870, room 716, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C
Title of PhD thesis: RNA modifications and biogenesis of microRNAs

Contact information: Marie Camille Boye Lorans, e-mail: marie.lorans@mbg.au.dk tel.: +45 31717672

Members of the assessment committee:

Associate Professor Jeppe Vinther, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Assistant Professor Francesca Aguilo, Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Sweden

Professor Finn Skou Pedersen (chair), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark

Main supervisor:
Associate Professor Ulf Andersson Vang Ørom, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University

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.