Projects
The synthesis and application of novel activity-based probes for the visualization of cysteine proteases. KU Leuven
Proteases are enzymes that cut proteins by catalyzing the hydrolysis of the peptide bond. They can be found in almost every organism, where they play a part in many biological pathways and are involved in various human diseases. For example, cathepsins, a class of cysteine proteases, are upregulated in various cancers, making them an interesting biomarker and suitable targets for tumor labeling.
An excellent method for the detection of ...
Down to the bone: Skeletal tissue as alternative matrix in forensic toxicology KU Leuven
In forensic toxicology, the goal is to identify and quantify xenobiotics in order to determine their effect on a certain situation. To reach this goal, a combination of different disciplines such as pharmacology and analytical chemistry are used. These analyses are done on different specimens. In the traditional analyses, there is a wide range of options to pick. The choice of specimen always depends on the context of an investigation. Whole ...
Phenotyping socio-emotional profiles in presymptomatic and symptomatic neurogenerative disorders. KU Leuven
Tackling the missing heritability of inherited peripheral neuropathies: towards improved patient care, better mechanistic insights and identification of determinants driving phenotypic diversity. University of Antwerp
Structure and folding of XNA aptamers studied by computational and experimental methods KU Leuven
Aptamers are folded oligonucleotides that bind to a specific target with a high affinity and selectivity. Originally they were composed of natural nucleic acids (RNA or DNA) that are identified in a large library through a process termed Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX). Since natural nucleic acids have short half-life in biological conditions, research shifted to aptamers composed of artificial (xeno) nucleic ...
Uncoupling beneficial from deleterious outcomes derived from Wnt/beta-catenin activation in stem cells for new strategies in anticancer therapy and regenerative medicine. KU Leuven
Towards generic single injection analysis techniques for samples with a large variety in polarity KU Leuven
The goal of this project is to develop a set-up for the single injection analysis of complex samples with a large variety in polarity, such as pharmaceuticals and metabolites in waste and surface water. For this purpose, orthogonal stationary phases will be coupled in series on a single high-performance liquid chromatograph using switching valves. To deal with the incompatibility of the mobile phases, different strategies will be evaluated. ...
Modulatory effects of the diet and Helicobacter gastritis in the association between high red (processed) meat consumption and oxidative stress. Ghent University
A high consumption of red (processed) meat is associated with a higher risk to develop a range of chronic diseases such as colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Although the underlying mechanisms are still not elucidated, oxidative stress following high red (processed) meat consumption could contribute to the onset and progression of these diseases. The Ph.D. thesis of the applying researcher showed that high amounts of ...
A juvenile pig model for pharmacokinetic studies of renally excreted drugs in critically ill children Ghent University
Recent reports demonstrated that critically ill pediatric patients with sepsis often suffer augmented renal clearance (ARC). This leads to subtherapeutic plasma concentrations of renally excreted drugs and possible treatment failure. A juvenile pig model mimicking ARC will be developed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of two frequently used antimicrobials (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and amikacin) and to unravel the mechanism of ARC