Projects
EphB2-ephrin-B2 and NMDA receptor signaling as underlying mechanism of visceral hypersensitivity KU Leuven
Abdominal pain is one of the most difficult to treat symptoms in patients suffering from Functional Gastro-Intestinal Disorders (FGIDs). Recent evidence shows that visceral hypersensitivity (VHS), represents an important underlying mechanism. The most common and most studied FGID is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), characterized by chronic discomfort and abdominal pain associated with altered defecation in the absence of an organic cause. ...
The role of mucosal mediators and their effect on neuronal afferent signalling and intestinal permeability during postinflammatory visceral hypersensitivity: a translational study. University of Antwerp
The role of autophagy and the intrahepatic vascular resistance in the pathophysiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). University of Antwerp
Development of novel selective ghrelin O-acyltransferase inhibitors for the treatment of obesity and obesity-related type 2 diabetes KU Leuven
Ghrelin is currently the only circulating orexigenic hormone, which acts to modulate the body's energy and glucose homeostasis. The acylation of ghrelin, necessary for its biological activity, is mediated by a unique enzyme, GOAT. Inhibition of GOAT and thus of acylated ghrelin levels should decrease food intake and fat storage and increase insulin secretion. In this way, GOAT inhibitors constitute an attractive target for the treatment of ...
Modulation of resident macrophages by enteric neurons in the muscularis externa KU Leuven
The gastrointestinal tract represents the largest interface between the environment and the organism. It is essential for digestion and absorption of nutrients, however at the same time acting as a barrier against potentially noxious ingested elements and infectious agents. Activation of a potent and specific immune response against pathogens counteracts and prevent invasion of harmful microorganisms. However, a tight control of this ...
Functional characterization of Zonulin, a positive regulator of intestinal epithelial permeability, in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). KU Leuven
The project involves an in-depth study of the functional role of Zonulin in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastro-intestinal tract. We will also study its possible use as target for future treatment options (translational research).
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC)) is a multifactorial disease characterized by a chronic ...
Enteric glial cells: a new population of immunomodulators in the gut? KU Leuven
This project focuses on the interaction between the enteric glial cells and intestinal immune cells. The main topic of the study will involve the study of immunological mechanisms leading to intestinal immune homoeostasis. The intestinal immune system deploys a complex network of cells and lymphoid tissues mainly to protect the host and to prevent invasion of harmful microorganisms. Conversely, the immune system should be educated to tolerate ...
Turnover of Cx43 gap junctions versus hemichannels during metabolic stress KU Leuven
Connexin (Cx) proteins form large conductance channels mediating communication between neighboring cells via gap junctions and/or hemichannels. Intercellular communication coordinates cellular responses in tissues and organs, controlling signaling, survival and cell-death spreading. In order to assure cell survival, gap junctions and hemichannels need to be tightly regulated. Cxs have half-lives of only a few hours, and due to their fast ...