Mette

PhD student Mette Sloth Mogensen studies tiny variations in the genome of the Dachshund at Department of Basic Animal and Veterinary Sciences at LIFE. The dog with the characteristically long back and short legs can suffer from spinal disc disease, just like humans. Using dogs as model organism, Mette explores the genetic background for this disease.

 

 

Why do you study genetics in dogs?

 

“Dogs tend to suffer from the same diseases as humans but genetically they are less complex as a consequence of selection for desirable breed characteristics. Therefore it is advantageous to use the dog as a model to study genetic disorders.“

"My main research area is disc calcification and herniation in the Dachshund. I work at the molecular level using DNA samples collected by the veterinary clinics. I focus on tiny variations in the genome called SNPs, which can be used as markers for disease susceptibility.”

“The goal of this project is to get a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying disc calcification and herniation, and thus increase the understanding of disease pathogenesis. Ultimately, this will improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment, in humans as well as in dogs.”

“My project is a part of a large European research effort named LUPA, which is funded by the European Commission. The overall goal of LUPA is to unravel common human diseases using dog genetics.”

 

Where did you get your MSc – and in which topic?

 

“I have a MSc in Biology-Biotechnology from LIFE. As part of my master I studied one semester at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and got a credit transfer for the courses I completed there.”

“I did my thesis at Steno Diabetes Center, a part of Novo Nordisk. It dealt with the genetic aspects of human obesity and non-autoimmune diabetes. It was primarily computer-based, but I also did a smaller project in the laboratory.”

 

How is your day as a PhD student and how does it differ from being a master student?

 

“In addition to my actual research project, which is split between work in the laboratory, computer analyses and keeping up with relevant literature, I also spent time on courses, teaching, group meetings and discussions as well as conferences, so some planning is needed to balance work-life and private-life.”

“One of the major differences from being a master student is that I am the main responsible person for my research project. I have to plan what and when I’ll do different tasks and I need to make sure that I make sufficient progress to finish on time.”

 

What’s great about LIFE and the department?

 

“When I left LIFE to do my master thesis in the industry, I did not plan to come back to LIFE to do a PhD. However, I have definitely not regretted my return.”

“The department provides a young, dynamic and international work environment and there is a broad range of different fields of expertise making it easy to get advice, new ideas and feedback on my research.”

“I have good colleagues and there are several PhD students in the group, which is nice. Further my research group has several social arrangements, which also add to a good work atmosphere.”

 

Future plans?

 

“At the moment I haven’t decided in which way I want to use the experience and knowledge I gain from my PhD. I still have a couple years left as a PhD student and time will tell what is going to happen next.”