Projects
Novel anatomical and functional biomarkers of lung disease and therapy dynamics in preclinical rodent models KU Leuven
Suppression of asthma through education of airway epithelial cells by environmental microbial exposure Ghent University
The prevalence of allergic asthma rised significantly in the last 50 years. Epidemiological studies have shown that this trend might be caused by lifestyle changes in the Western world and by a reduction in the incidence of infectious diseases. Conversely, growing up on a farm or in a house with high endotoxin in the home environment has been shown to offer protection from allergy.
How these factors can influence the development of ...
The beta-cell and the immune system in type 1 diabetes: partners in crime - developing new therapies in type 1 diabetes through better understanding of beta-cell behaviour and use of novel immunomodulators. KU Leuven
Neuro-immune mechanisms of visceral and airway hypersensitivity. KU Leuven
DNA methylome and RNA transcriptoom analysis in proximal tubular cells, blood and urine during development of chronic kidney disease in mice University of Antwerp
Role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of obstructive airway diseases Ghent University
Genetic predisposition and the environment play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of obstructive airway diseases, such as asthma and COPD. This translational project will unravel the contribution of epigenetic changes, in particular of microRNAs, in the pathogenesis of both diseases using expression analyses, in vitro studies on human cell cultures and in vivo research on murine models of asthma en COPD.
Infectious Center One Health (ICOH) Ghent University
ICOH is a university-wide research center that gathers buildings, infrastructure, inspection bodies and expertise that forms an environment to perform experimental infections in animals in a biosafe and ethically/legally correct way. In the animal facilities, researchers may work with pathogens from risk category 2/3 to work under optimal conditions (controlled ventilation/lighting/temperature/relative humidity, decontamination of ...
Mechanosensitive piezo1 as key player in the decidualization and implantation process? KU Leuven
Embryo implantation, an essential step in human reproduction, is a complex process that involves an intimate interaction between an implantation-competent blastocyst and a receptive uterus. The first and physiological contact between those two players will determine successful implantation. A prerequisite in this process is an adapted uterine endometrium that provides a favourable environment for the embryo, and is characterized by a ...
Sustained release of lactic acid from an intravaginal device Ghent University
We seek funding to optimize and clinically validate a lactic acid‐eluting system to combat and prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis in humans. Under physiological conditions, the vagina harbors a commensal microflora primarily consisting of lactic acid‐producing lactobacilli, thus creating an acidic environment (pH 3.5‐4.5) which provides natural antimicrobial protection to the lower female genital tract. However, during bacterial vaginosis ...