Projects
Calcuim, a second messenger in auxin physiology Ghent University
In the plant survival strategy, the activity of the plant hormone auxin plays a central role. Therefore, it is important to understand how signaling of auxin perception occurs, and which mechanisms control auxin homeostasis (biosynthesis, transport, conjugation and degradation). In this project, we will analyse the interplay between Ca²+ availability, auxin signaling and homeostasis in greater detail.
Auxin mediated pericycle-endodermis interactions during lateral root initiation Ghent University
Lateral root formation is initiated after a restricted pericycle cell acquires founder cell identity and divides asymmetrically. The plant hormone auxin plays an important role in this process and many studies reported on the auxin regulated events that occur within the pericycle. However, how lateral root initiation is integrated with the developmental context of the surrounding tissues has remained largely unexplored. The goal of this ...
The auxin indole-3-acetic acid as signal molecule in bacteria. KU Leuven
Is auxin involved in the growth inhibition of the leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana in response to drought stress? University of Antwerp
Auxin signalling mechanisms during lateral root initiation and their cross-talk with abiotic factors Ghent University
To get insight in the molecular mechanisms that are used by the plant to shape its root architecture in response to environmental factors two 2 major strategies were selected. First, a profound study of lateral root priming will be performed. Secondly, we will investigate the influence of abiotic stress conditions specifically on this phase of root branching.
Synthetic antibody (SynAb) receptors for the detection and isolation of cyclic depsipeptide (CDP) toxins in food samples. Ghent University
Food safety plays a critical role in society. When it comes to avoiding food poisoning, most of the attention goes to preventing
microbial growth in food products. However, the cause of intoxication is the presence of toxins produced by these microorganisms.
Yet, standard industrial or household food processing and preparation techniques effective at removing the producing
microorganisms fail to remove the actual toxins. As a ...
Valorization of humins as a bio-based feedstock in the synthesis of functional polymers KU Leuven
Humins are by-products of many emerging biorefinery processes, where a lignocellulosic biomass is converted into platform chemicals. Leading to a large carbon loss throughout the process, their formation is however ubiquitous, which makes them an important factor in the overall strategy and process feasibility. A successful valorization of humins would open up new possibilities and increase profits of biorefinery operations. Therefore, that ...
Environmental and human health effects of marine toxins under increasing anthropogenic pressure. Ghent University
The project focusses on marine toxins (produced by phytoplankton) which are an increasing environmental and human health concern. It studies their potential effects and bioaccumulation through the food chain under increasing anthropogenic pressure (i.e. eutrophication, ocean acidification, ocean warming). It will provide crucial insights on future exposure and effects of marine toxins with significant impact on environmental and human ...
Synthetic antibodies (SynAbs) for detection of cyclodepsipeptide toxins in food Ghent University
Despite recent guidelines from the European Food Safety Authority on the need for more data to evaluate long-term toxicity effects of certain cyclodepsipeptide foodborne toxins, no suitable affinity reagents are currently available to detect the presence of these toxins and derivatives in food samples.
During a previous collaboration in the context of a CRA, a series of de novo designed artificial receptor molecules or Synthetic ...