Chemically enhanced RNA: A new path to combat the flu
PhD defence, Thursday, 14th November 2024, Kevin Neis
During his PhD studies, Kevin Neis researched new ways to fight the constantly evolving influenza virus using small RNA molecules. These molecules, called aptamers, can bind to proteins on the virus surface and prevent it from entering cells. However, aptamers often struggle to remain stable in the body, and selecting effective ones has been challenging.
Kevin Neis introduced chemical modifications to make RNA aptamers more stable and to allow for more effective selections. The new research findings contribute to developing enhanced, longer-lasting antiviral treatments and open new possibilities for using RNA in virus detection and therapy.
The PhD study was completed at Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University.
This summary was prepared by the PhD student.
Time: Thursday, 14th November 2024 at 13:15
Place: Building 1593, room 012, iNANO Auditorium, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus.
Title of PhD thesis: Selection of Chemically Enhanced RNA Aptamers Catching the Flu
Contact information: Kevin Neis, e-mail: kn@inano.au.dk, tel.: +45 52619311
Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Oliver Seitz, Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
Professor Ciara Kathleen O’Sullivan, Engineering Sciences, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Spain
Associate Professor Ken Howard (chair), Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Denmark
Main supervisor:
Professor Jørgen Kjems, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark
Co-supervisor:
Tenure Track Assistant Professor Julián Valero Moreno, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark
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, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, 8000 Aarhus C