Cytokines are small signaling molecules involved in many processes in vertebrates. The most prominent role of class I and II cytokines is connected with vertebrate immunology. Piotr studied the evolution of the class II cytokine system. By resolving the crystal structure of interleukin-22 from zebrafish and comparing it with other known class II cytokine structures as well as integrating data from the literature, a model of class II cytokine evolution was proposed. A better knowledge of the evolution of cytokines is important for establishing model organisms for research in the immunology field.

In another project, Piotr investigated the importance of a sugar connection between two subdomains of class I cytokine receptors. Mutations abolishing the formation of this sugar connection between the subdomains of the receptor have been linked to severe immune disorders known as primary immunodeficiency syndromes. Using site-directed mutagenesis and immunofluorescence microscopy, the sugar connection between the two subdomains was found to play an essential role in proper export and function of the receptor.

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

Time: Friday 31 January 2014 at 14.00
Place: 1170-347, Aud. 6
Title of dissertation: The evolution and molecular mechanism of the function of the cytokine system in vertebrates
Contact information: Piotr Siupka, e-mail: siupka@mb.au.dk
Members of assessment committee:
Professor Claus Oxvig (chair), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic, Aarhus University, Denmark
Associate Professor Sergei Kotenko, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers, New JerseyMedicalSchool
Associate Professor Birthe Brandt Kragelund, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Main supervisor: Associate Professor Rune Hartmann, Department of Molecular Biology and Evolution, Aarhus University, Denmark
Language: The PhD dissertation wil 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.