During his PhD studies, Nicholas Egholm Sofos researched the human NEXT complex – a large protein complex that targets RNAs for degradation by the exosome in human cells. He used X-ray crystallography to elucidate a structure of a component of the complex, as well as purifying the complex from an endogenous source. He also reconstructed a first iteration 3D model by negative stain electron microscopy.

The new research findings contribute to the understanding of how the complex and its constituents behave in solution, and how the complex is assembled.

The PhD degree was completed at the Centre for mRNP Biogenesis and Metabolism, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Technology, Aarhus University.

This résumé was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Friday 26 February 2016 at 13.00
Place: Lecture Theatre D1, building 1531, room 113, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 118, 8000 Aarhus C
Title of dissertation: Structural characterization of the human nuclear exosome targeting complex
Contact information: Nicholas Egholm Sofos, sofos@mbg.au.dk, +45 6088 3167
Members of the assessment committee:
Dr Esben Lorentzen, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Germany
Associate Professor Peter Brodersen, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen
Associate Professor Anni Hangaard Andersen (chair), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Main supervisor:
Associate Professor Ditlev Egeskov Brodersen, 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 1520, rooms 128–134, 8000 Aarhus C.