Projects
Medicaspec Hasselt University
Preclinical research on the combination of MDM2 'small-molecule' inhibitors and conventional chemo- and/or radiotherapy, under normoxic versus hypoxic conditions. University of Antwerp
Glucocorticoid and selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator effects on the tumor eco-system : dissociating the mechanism Ghent University
Tumor metastases can only form succesfully upon invasion of the primary tumor's surrounding tissue. Glucocorticoids (GCs) and selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators (SGRMs) can inhibit invasion via a largely unknown mechanism. In this project we study the effects of GCs and SGRMs on invasion-associated proteins and screen for new targets in the regulation of invasion mechanisms.
Integration of miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in the molecular circuitry of neuroblastoma tumors Ghent University
Because of their function as regulators of gene expression, miRNAs and lncRNAs are likely to act as a grid that connects different genes within and between relevant cancer pathways. Insights in the connectivity between protein-coding genes, miRNAs and lncRNAs could provide novel insights in the complexity of the cancer phenotype and present new ways to normalize the circuitry.
Evaluation of highly immunogenic tumor cell vaccines in combination with regulatory T-cell depletion Ghent University
The aim of this project is to enhance the efficacy of tumor cell vaccines by increasing their immunogenicity and by combining the tumor cell vaccines with a depletion of regulatory T-cells. We will optimize this new vaccination strategy in tumor bearing mice. Subsequently, the most effective cancer vaccination protocol will be evaluated in dogs with cancer.
Characterization of the p53 network and exploration of p53-dependent and p53-independent molecular therapy in neuroblastoma Ghent University
Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial childhood cancer and less than 2% of the tumors harbor a mutation in p53 at diagnosis. The study of p53 and understanding its signaling network is of paramount importance to design strategies for therapeutic intervention for this aggressive cancer. We are probing p53 pathway and aiming to identify possible p53-dependent and p53-independent molecular targeted therapy in neuroblastoma.
Study of the pain-producing and pain-potentiating effects of prolonged exposure to Endothelin-1 (ET-1). University of Antwerp
The role of the p53 tumour suppressor protein in epigenetic maintenance of genomic integrity via transcriptional silencing and stabilisation of heterochromatic domains. Ghent University
p53 is the most frequently inactivated protein in human cancers. It works as a transcription factor responsible for the majority of stress-responses which protect cells from transformation. Despite thorough studies, the p53 pathway is not fully elucidated. This project investigates p53-mediated and histone-methyl-transferase-dependent epigenetic silencing of genes and stabilisation of chromosomal heterochromatin domains, and will hopefully ...
Furan and porphyrin containing crosslinking ligands for covalent stabilisation of G quadruplexes as cell-permeable anti-cancer aptamers Ghent University
Using a variety established DNA crosslinking nucleobase-analogues a method will be developed for the stapling of the 5’ and 3’ ends of G-quadruplex forming aptamer sequences. This staple will in theory convey several benefits such as conformational locking and improved formation kinetics. Crosslinked aptamers will then be assessed for improvements in these properties compared to wild type oligonucleotides.