Projects
Pathways to pluripotency and differentiation in embryos and embryonic stem cells Ghent University
An embryo develops from a group of pluripotent cells into a differentiated organism. This transition from pluripotency to differentiation is dependent on the presence of transcription factors such as OCT 4 and NANOG. Also signaling molecules are involved and so are epigenetics. By means of transcriptome, epigenome and proteome analysis in embryos and embryonic stem cells, we aim to unravel the pathways involved this process.
Modelling human X-chromosome inactivation using conversion of naïve human embryonic stem cells to the trophoblast lineage KU Leuven
Mammals have evolved multiple mechanisms to ensure correct gene dosage of X-linked genes. These include inactivation of one of the two X chromosomes in females, a process that is critical for female development and linked to sex-specific susceptibilities to multiple diseases. Despite its importance in health and disease, very little is known about X chromosome inactivation in humans in part because most of the work so far has been carried out ...
Human embryonic stem cells for bone tissue engineering Ghent University
Pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ES) are able to differentiate into any cell type. The subject of this project is the differentiation of human ES into the osteogenic lineage. The following techniques will be applied: the use of osteogenic media with or without specific growth factors, the use of biomaterials and 3-dimensional cell constructs. If necessary, cells will be selected based on the expression of specific cell surface molecules.
Identification and functional analysis of signaling molecules with a possible function in pluripotency and differentiation of embryonic stem cells Ghent University
Human uterine and blastocyst fluids will be analyzed to identify extrinsic (environment) and intrinsic (cell-cell contacts) factors that drive the inner cell mass of a blastocyst towards pluripotency or towards differentiation. Additionally, a comparable approach will be used to test the in vitro environment of embryonic stem cells for putative factors involved in maintenance of pluripotency.
Expansion and osteogenic differentiation of human embryonic stem cells in bone regeneration Ghent University
Human embryonic stem cells are expanded in vitro without the use of feeder-layers. After expansion cells are differentiated into the osteogenic lineage using specific culture conditions and selection of subpopulations. Teratoma formation and ectopic bone formation are evaluated in vivo in immunodeficient mice.
Computational probing of replicative stress resistance and induced G-quadruplex resolving processes in embryonic stem or cancer cells Ghent University
Fast dividing embryonic stem and cancer cells are subject to stress during DNA replication. G-quadruplexes (G4s) are DNA secondary structures formed by G-rich regions in the DNA, and have recently been shown to play a key role in embryonic stem cell and cancer cell replicative stress. I will apply in-depth bioinformatics analysis on this subject.
Pathways to pluripotency and differentiation in embryos and embryonic stem cells Ghent University
An embryo develops from a group of pluripotent cells into a differentiated organism. This transition from pluripotency to differentiation is dependent on the presence of transcription factors such as OCT 4 and NANOG. Also signaling molecules are involved and so are epigenetics. By means of transcriptome, epigenome and proteome analysis in embryos and embryonic stem cells, we aim to unravel the pathways involved this process.