In her PhD studies, Sofia Mortensen analysed the proteins composing the central part of the innate immune system – the complement system. These proteins protect the human body from diverse infections and help it to stay healthy. Their organisation is complex and their functions are based on interactions between different parts of the proteins. These interactions were therefore of particular interest in the research.

Sofia Mortensen used several structural biology approaches in her studies, such as X-ray crystallography and small-angle X-ray scattering. This enabled her to obtain details of the protein organisation at the atomic level, as well as information about protein domain arrangements.

The structural basis for functions of the immune system proteins described in the dissertation can be applied to understanding the reasons for many disorders of the system, as well as finding treatments for such diseases. Molecular details of the organisation of one of the key complement proteins – called C4b – can be used for designing inhibitors of conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and sepsis.

The PhD degree was completed at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre (iNANO) and the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Technology, Aarhus University.

Time: Monday 16 March 2015 at 13.15
Place: iNANO Lecture Theatre, building 1593, room 012, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C
Title of dissertation: Structural studies of the proteins of the classical and lectin pathways of complement system of innate immunity
Contact information: Sofia Mortensen, sofias@inano.au.dk, +45 5020 5475
Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Jean Van den Elsen, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, UK
Associate Professor Bente Vestergaard, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen
Associate Professor Rikke Louise Meyer (chair), iNANO and Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University
Main supervisor:
Professor Gregers R. Andersen, iNANO and 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 1521, room 112, 8000 Aarhus C.