Does one size really fit all? - substrate and inhibitor binding in SLC6 transporters

PhD defense, Thursday, 20 August 2026. Clara Nautrup Pedersen.

During her PhD studies, Clara Nautrup Pedersen investigated how substrates and inhibitors interact with several SLC6 transporters, namely the dopamine (DAT), and noradrenaline (NET) transporter, as well as the broad neutral amino acid transporter B⁰AT1. These proteins play a critical role in regulating neuronal signaling and metabolic homeostasis, making them exceptionally attractive drug targets. Using cryo-electron microscopy, Clara Nautrup Pedersen obtained structural information that provides insights into how non-competitive inhibitors and substrates engage with the transporters. This structural framework deepens our mechanistic understanding of SLC6 but also opens new potential for drug design. 

The PhD study was completed at Dept. Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Thursday, 20 August 2026 at 11:00
Place: Building 1871, room 120, Lecture Theatre Nucleus auditorium, Dept. of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus
Title of PhD thesis: Structural insights into modulation of mono amine transporters and B⁰AT1 through accessory protein, substrates and inhibitors
Contact information: Clara Nautrup Pedersen, e-mail: cnp@mbg.au.dk, tel.: +45 30 20 63 11 
Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Birger Brodin Larsen, Department of Pharmacy, Copenhagen University, Denmark 
Group Leader Eric Geertsma, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Germany 
Associate Professor Peter Ebert Andersen (chair), Dept. Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark 
Main supervisor: Professor Poul Nissen, Dept. Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark
Co-supervisor: Assistant Professor Charlott Stock, Dept. Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark 
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defense 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