Yangzi He: Structural studies of RNA helicases

RNA helicases use ATP to remodel RNA–RNA or RNA–protein interactions. These enzymes play essential roles in several post-transcriptional stages of eukaryotic gene expression.

In his PhD research, Yangzi He used X-ray crystallography to investigate the structure of Prp43, a yeast RNA helicase of the DEAH/RHA family that functions in pre-mRNA splicing and ribosome biogenesis. This study yielded the first high-resolution structure of this important class of enzymes. Yangzi He also studied the structure and mechanism of eIF4A and DHX29, two human RNA helicases required for the initiation of protein synthesis.

Time: Thursday 10 January 2013 at 14.15
Place: Lecture Theatre D1, Department of Mathematics, Aarhus University
Title of dissertation: Structural Studies of RNA Helicases Involved in Eukaryotic Pre-mRNA Splicing, Ribosome Biogenesis, and Translation Initiation
Contact information: Yangzi He, yah@mb.au.dk, +45 2823 1570
Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Dagmar Klostermeier, Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Münster, Germany
Professor Michael Gajhede, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen
Dr Ditlev Egeskov Brodersen (chair), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Main supervisor:
Dr Gregers Rom Andersen, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Co-supervisor:
Dr Klaus Hvid Nielsen, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Language: The dissertation will be defended in English