Projects
Study of the predominant colon microbiota of cystic fibrosis patients Ghent University
The present study aims to characterize the predominant members of the intsetinal flora of a group of cystic fibrosis patients and to compare these with the flora of siblings without the cystic fibrosis phenotype. The effect of frequent and combined antibiotic use on the development of antibiotic resistances in the commensal colonflora of a group of cystic fibrosis patients will also be studied.
Organoid platform for the development of innovative treatments for Cystic Fibrosis KU Leuven
Gene therapy for cystic fibrosis in a mouse model using adeno-associated viral vectors KU Leuven
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common monogenic life-threatening disease in the Caucasian population, caused by mutations in CFTR, a chloride/bicarbonate channel that regulates fluid transport across epithelium of different organs (airways, pancreas, intestine, sweat glands and vas deferens). CF affects multiple organs, but lung pathology is the major clinical manifestation. Mutations in the CFTR gene lead to an imbalance ...
Insights into viral and bacterial colonisation of the lower respiratory tract in cystic fibrosis patients through metagenomic sequencing and multiplex qPCR. University of Antwerp
Quantitative phage control for safe treatment of bacterial invasive species in cystic fibrosis patients HOGENT
Dissecting the role of secretion systems in virulence of Burkholderia cenocepacia, the causative of cepacia syndrome in cystic fibrosis patients Ghent University
Burkholderia cenocepacia is an opportunistic pathogen that may cause severe complications for cystic fibrosis patients. We aim to apply proteomic technology to identify proteins that are secreted by the type III en IV secretion systems and consequently injected in the host cell. We will study the influence of environmental conditions on the levels of virulence factors and determine their effect on the viability of the host cell and on its ...
The environmental niche of Burkholderia multivorans: fitness school for a cystic fibrosis pathogen? Ghent University
The present project aims to explore the environmental niche of Burkholderia multivorans and to determine its population structure. Comparative whole genome studies should reveal the presence of mobile genetic elements and allow to characterize their genetic determinants. These will be mapped on a large collection of environmental and clinical strains in order to reveal mechanisms of genetic adaptation in this cystic fibrosis pathogen.