Projects
Understanding role of mechanical forces in human neural tube development and neural tube defects KU Leuven
The formation of the neural tube is the earliest event in the establishment of the central nervous system. Cell acquire their identity at the same time as the tissue undergoes large-scale tissue deformations, driven by cellular contractility and mechanical forces. However, the relationship between these tissue deformations, the developed mechanical forces and the establishment of cellular identities remains largely unexplored. In addition, it ...
Coordination of intrinsic neural network connectivity in the gut by enteric glial DISC1 Hasselt University
Closing the neural tube: gene-gene interactions of TET1 and the interplay with nutrient metabolism KU Leuven
The etiology of congenital malformations, particularly neural tube defects (NTDs), is complex, and involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors affecting each other. Understanding the relationship between intrinsic genetic factors and extrinsic environmental factors has been challenging. Here in this thesis, I describe my efforts to improve our understanding of the epigenome-gene-environment interaction model. Of particular ...
From Sheet to Tube: Bioengineered Models of Neural Tube Defects KU Leuven
The interplay of TET1, DNA methylation and vitamin metabolism in neurulation. KU Leuven
Although folic acid (vitamin B9) intake is now recommended during early pregnancies to reduce incidences of neural tube defects (NTD), the most common birth defect worldwide, it is unclear why it is beneficial and whether there are risks with excessive intake. The effects of deficiency of another essential nutrient, vitamin C, during pregnancies are also unknown. As nutritional factors, both vitamins can influence the patterns of chemical ...
The early embryonic function of TET DNA dioxygenases in human neurulation and disease. KU Leuven
TET family dioxygenases erase DNA methylation. Loss of Tet1 in the pre-gastrulation mouse epiblast causes dysregulation of chromatin accessibility and DNA methylation at neural fate genes prior to their gene activation in development, resulting in congenital and post-natal neurodevelopmental disorders in mutant mice. Here, we aim to extend our findings from mouse to human development, by exploiting in vitro differentiation of human embryonic ...
Influence of gut-brain signals on psychobiological processes in healthy humans KU Leuven
The bidirectional neural and hormonal communication system between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, known as the ‘brain-gut axis’ (BGA), is part of an integrated interoceptive system that continuously conveys homeostatic information about the physiological state of the body to the brain. The homeostatic information is integrated with exteroceptive and interoceptive signals, input from the brain reward system, and affective and ...
Coordination of neuronal reactivation in the hippocampal-cortical network and the contribution to spatial memory KU Leuven
The hippocampus is a major part of the brain which is associated with spatial navigation, task learning and memory consolidation. However, the hippocampus is not a homogeneous structure and significant molecular, anatomical and functional differences are present along its dorsal-ventral axis. For example, while neurons throughout the hippocampus convey information about the location of an animal, the dorsal and ventral hippocampus differ in ...
Co-localization and neuromodulation of interoceptive and emotional processes in the insular cortex. KU Leuven
Contrary to classical doctrines, our daily introspective experience, and clinical and scientific evidence, indicate that inner bodily signals substantiate emotions and intimately shape cognition. The anterior insular cortex (AIC), a prime target in neuropsychiatric disorders, recently emerged as a crucial interface between sensory inputs related to bodily physiology (i.e. interoception) and emotional and cognitive processes underlying ...