PhD defense: Kristoffer Vitting-Seerup

Transcriptional diversity and regulation across time and states

Supervision
Albin Sandelin, Professor, University of Copenhagen

Exam Committee
Anders Krogh, Professor, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Christopher T. Workman, Associate professor, DTU, Denmark
Chris Ponting, Professor, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland

Abstract
In this thesis we have utilized high-throughput sequencing of RNA to perform genome wide analysis of transcriptional diversity and regulation across time and states. Specifically we have developed computational tools for both genome wide analysis of usage of isoforms (Article I) as well as for analysis of differential isoform usage in individual genes (Article IV). These tools have been used to extensively profile transcriptional diversity in both health and disease (Article II-IV) highlighting the importance of resolution analysis. Lastly we have used time-course data to perform an analysis of gene regulation in unprecedented details. The analysis resulted in a model where regulatory signals are deciphered first at enhancers and then subsequently in genes (Article V). This model, which is consistent across different stimuli and species, highlights the pivotal role of enhancers in the regulation of genes.