Projects
Novel Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Options for Renal Fanconi Syndrome: A Focus on Cystinosis KU Leuven
Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder. It is caused by a mutation in the CTNS-gene, which codes for the lysosomal transporter protein cystinosin. Cystinosin is a cystineproton symporter transporting cystine out of the lysosome. Hence, in patients with cystinosis cystinosin deficiency causes cystine accumulation in the lysosomes and results in several manifestations all over the body, but mainly the generalized ...
Formation, growth, and properties of metal-organic frameworks from 2D to 3D: a scanning probe microscopy approach KU Leuven
Metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs) are a class of porous crystalline solids in which the metal centres are connected by organic linkers via coordinate bonds to yield networks with large voids. The versatility and the robustness of MOFs coupled with their high surface area has enabled their use in a remarkable range of applications. MOFs are employed in these applications in a variety of different forms ranging from layered thin films to ...
Nanocellulose-based functional extracellular matrices KU Leuven
In vivo, cells are supported by a 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) with different physical and chemical properties, which controls the cellular functions and is continuously remodeled by cells. Thus, the development of nanomaterials mimicking the properties of natural ECMs is of high value for regenerative medicine and fundamental science. Cellulose-based biomaterials are among the most promising candidates for cellular scaffolds, but, up to now ...
Mineral filler modification for improved material interfacial interactions KU Leuven
Investigating the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic use of A20 and MYSM1 in inflammatory signaling and pathology Ghent University
Inflammatory signaling cascades are heavily controlled by ubiquitination, and several proteins including A20 and MYSM1 interfere with these processes. A20 was initially believed to inhibit NF-κB signaling by its deubiquitinase (DUB) and E3 ligase activities. However, using new mutant knockin mouse lines, we recently demonstrated the critical importance of A20’s ubiquitin binding activities for its in vivo function. This project will build on ...
Complex biological tissues and cell colonies: active material properties of multicellular structures KU Leuven
Complex biological tissues and cell colonies behave as active materials in which the constituents, individual cells, self-organize to create complex and dynamic biological systems. In order to engineer multicellular structures, for example in tissue engineering or in the treatment of bacterial biofilms, we can harness the active mechanical properties of these materials to help steer cell and tissue fate. However, active materials exhibit ...
Micro-Processing Stable Optoelectronic Perovskite Thin Films KU Leuven
All-inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite is increasingly being considered for applications well beyond photovoltaics, for example, as the active regions within thin film photonic devices like cameras and LEDs. Its high-temperature optically active black phase (>320°C) is metastable relative to its non-perovskite yellow phase at room temperature (RT), representing a major impediment for real-world applications. In 2019, a fundamentally new and ...
Unraveling the radiative de-excitation of metal clusters by direct and indirect characterization of recurrent fluorescence KU Leuven
Even though small clusters have been investigated for decades, properties that directly depend on their excited states are poorly understood, with many cases in that experiment and theory fail to agree. One such property is the emission of photons as a deexcitation mechanism of hot clusters, a fundamental process with severe consequences on the production of mass-selected nanoparticles and even astrophysics. While such photons have been ...
Unlocking the potential of plant proteins for structuring food by building structure-function relationships KU Leuven
A highly relevant topic in the global food system, now and in decades to come, is the shift from animal protein towards plant protein based foods. Proteins play important roles in determining food structure and texture, e.g. in gelled systems, fibrous meat products or dispersed systems such as food foams and emulsions. Most plant proteins have inferior technological functionality in such systems when compared to animal proteins. Establishing ...