Projects
In situ labeling of endogenous neuronal stem cells and the visualization of their recruitment and incorporation in the mouse brain with in vivo microMRI. University of Antwerp
Light-inducible techniques for the spatial and temporal control of protein function in neuronal cells KU Leuven
The human brain is comprised of billions of neurons, highly compartmentalized cells that are connected with each other through synapses. While the mechanisms that allow the formation and the specific connectivity of these synapses have been the subject of intense scrutiny, our understanding of these processes is incomplete. One reason amongst many is that we lack the necessary tools to study the role of proteins specifically at the synapse. ...
Notobranchius furzeri: New types of neuronal stem cells – new insights in neuro(re)genesis KU Leuven
The adult mammalian brain possesses two neurogenic niches of which the neurogenic potential declines steeply with age. Yet teleost fish, possess sixteen neurogenic niches and exhibit a very high potential for adult neurogenesis. Most remarkably, they can regenerate tissue, including brain, upon injury. The African turquoise killifish recently gained much attention as potent ageing model based on its short life cycle, explosive growth and the ...
Role of MALT1 in neuronal cells. Ghent University
MALT1 is a protease that has so far mainly been studied in immune cells. MALT1 is however also expressed in neuronal cells, where its function is still completely unknown. With this project we want to investigate the activity and function of MALT1 in neuronal cells using biochemical as well as genetic approaches.
Investigation of the role of neuroendocrine cells in neuronal hyperexcitability in non-allergic respiratory diseases. KU Leuven
Chronic rhinosinusitis with (CRS) nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a highly prevalent disorder, affecting between 5-15% of the general population. It is characterized by an overt sinonasal mucosal inflammation mucosa that results in classic pathological features such as nasal congestion, loss of smell and facial pain and pressure. Despite the major impact on quality of life, the current treatments are rather disappointing, mainly because of our ...
Necroptosis pathway activation and its role in neuronal cell loss in Alzheimer's disease KU Leuven
Accumulation of misfolded, aggregated proteins and the associated neuronal cell loss are considered the most fundamental hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite the prevalent neuronal cell death in AD, the modality of cell death and molecular events leading to such neuronal cell death mechanisms are seldom investigated. Lack of preclinical models that sufficiently recapitulate AD-relevant neuronal ...
APLP2 regulates neuronal stem cell differentiation during cortical development KU Leuven
Human amyloid precursor protein (APP) belongs to a gene family that codes for type I trans-membrane proteins in different species, including fruit flies, roundworms and mice. Amyloid Precursor-like Protein1 and 2 (APLP1 and APLP2) are the two other mammalian members of this gene family. Like APP, APLP1 and APLP2 are transmembrane proteins with a large extracellular N-terminal domain and short cytoplasmic C-terminal fragment. Another ...
Development of a human in vitro neuronal model for the MECP2 duplication syndrome using induced pluripotent stem cell technology KU Leuven
The causal relationship between a disease and the underlying
genetic defect are commonly studied in animal models. However, species specific
difference in the genetic, anatomical andphysiological characteristics between
animals and humans present a major barrier in extending
the information to human diseases. Alsoin few instances,
the preclinical treatments that show success in ...