Projects
Subcellular Ca2+ signalling microdomains regulating cardiomyocyte growth and functions KU Leuven
Blood circulation is allowed by the pumping role of the heart, the major vital organ of the human body. The heart is a muscle able to beat independently of the central nervous system thank to its electrical activity. Indeed, the excitation/contraction of the heart involved the propagation of an electrical influx, the action potential, through a large array of protein structures referred to as ion channels. The autonomous cardiac and ...
Ca2+ signalling in ADPKD: mechanisms and consequences. KU Leuven
Mutations in the genes encoding the polycystin-1 and -2 proteins lead to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the most common inherited renal disease. Hallmark of the disease is the progressive development of renal cysts that lead to kidney failure. The molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of cysts are of major interest to develop novel strategies for treatment and prevention of ADPKD. Disturbed Ca2+ signaling in ...
Subcellular Ca2+ signalling microdomains regulating cardiomyocyte growth and function KU Leuven
This project focuses on the mechanism of the signaling mediator calcium (Ca2+). Ca2+ signaling is an important factor in controlling the heart function. It provides the link between the electrical signals and the heart pumping. Increasing intracellular Ca2+ allows the cardiomyocytes to contract which drives the pumping of the heart. Ca2+ is also involved in many other functionalities for the cardiomyocytes by regulating metabolism and gene ...
Regulation of intracellular Ca2+ signalling by the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2-family members. KU Leuven
Subcellular Ca2+ signalling microdomains regulating cardiomyocyte growth and function KU Leuven
Calcium plays an essential role in cardiomyocyte function, particularly in the Excitation-Contraction Coupling process. It is also implicated in signalling pathways that trigger cardiac hypertrophy. The manner in which calcium regulates these roles selectively and concurrently is yet to be determined. This project is established based on the hypothesis that calcium achieves this through distinct calcium signalling microdomains within the ...
Implementing assays to evaluate the impact of novel BAPTA variants on cellular Ca2+ signaling nanodomains KU Leuven
A multi-disciplinary approach to exploit pro-apoptotic Ca2+ signaling as a novel anti-cancer strategy. KU Leuven
Exploiting the BH4 domain of Bcl-2 as a novel target for the development of peptidomimetics that promote pro-apoptotic Ca2+ signaling. KU Leuven
Exploiting Ca2+ signaling and altered IP3R function in Bcell lymphomas KU Leuven
Cancer cells have developed different strategies to escape their cell death fate by imposing blocks in their apoptotic cell-death pathway or increasing pro-survival mechanisms. Such mechanisms make them very resistant and make cancer hard to cure. Here, we will focus on cancers depending on high levels of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Recently, experiments in healthy cells ...