PhD Defence: Csenge Kata Rezi

Thesis title: Regulation of polycystin-2 trafficking to and at the primary cilium in kidney epithelial cells

Supervisor: Professor Lotte Bang Pedersen

Assesment Committe:
Assoc. Professor Mirna Perez-Moreno (Chair)
Professor Oliver Blacque (University College Dublin, Ireland)
Professor Bernhard Schermer (Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Germany)

Synopsis:
The primary cilium, a remarkable non-motile organelle found on the surface of various cell types, is a crucial player in cellular processes during human and animal development, as well as in adulthood. It has emerged as a key contributor to cellular and developmental signaling pathways, and disruptions in cilia function are linked to a range of diseases collectively known as ciliopathies. Understanding the molecular intricacies of cilia is not only a matter of scientific curiosity but also holds significant implications for medical research.
The thesis, presented through two original manuscripts, delves into the complex mechanisms governing ciliary composition, with a specific focus on ciliary targeting and the homeostasis of PC2 within kidney epithelial cells.