Projects
The role of the PREPL gene in the development of obesity. University of Antwerp
Global exosomes biomarker. KU Leuven
The effect of deiodinase deficiency on zebrafish development and reproduction KU Leuven
Thyroid hormones (THs) are crucial regulators for a wide range of processes in the body. In this thesis we focus on development, growth and reproduction, which are all tightly controlled by TH action. The thyroid gland mainly produces the prohormone 3,5,3’,5’-tetraiodothyronine (T4) and to a much lesser extent the receptor-active 3,5,3’-triiodothyronine (T3). Appropriate T3 availability is locally regulated by deiodinases (Dio1, Dio2, Dio3), ...
Control of local thyroid hormone availability in the developing chicken brain. KU Leuven
Thyroid hormones (THs) are important regulators of vertebrate development. Abnormal TH levels can lead to major developmental deficits, including mental retardation. To understand the processes that underlie these deficits, we studied the influence of THs on early development using the chicken embryo as a model. However, in order to analyze -and influence- the supply of THs to specific tissues and cells, the key regulators of TH availability ...
The role of microRNAs in the regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress in monocytes during obesity and associated metabolic disorders. KU Leuven
Hormones and neuroplasticity: image guided discoveries of molecular mechanisms in neuroplasticity KU Leuven
During juvenile development, male songbirds exhibit a high amount of neuroplasticity in the brain regions responsible for song learning and production, called the 'song control nuclei'. Additionally, seasonal learners display a cycle of song control nucleus growth and regression throughout a year: song control nuclei increase in volume when the days get longer in early spring and regress again when days get shorter. Both neuroplastic ...