Projects
Probing melanoma intratumor heterogeneity using single-cell genomics and transcriptomics KU Leuven
In a given tumor, such as melanoma, not all cancer cells are equal. This “intra-tumor heterogeneity” introduces significant challenges in designing effective anti-cancer treatment strategies since phenotypically distinct cells are likely to exhibit different sensitivities to therapeutics. The origin of intratumor heterogeneity is a subject of much discussion. The cancer stem cell model asserts that within a population of tumor cells, there is ...
Functional Precision Oncology: Next-generation treatment rationale for glioblastoma Mapping the drug response heterogeneity using single cell protein analysis KU Leuven
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive brain cancer in adults. In spite of intensive treatment, median survival is still only 15 months. Reasons that explain failure to develop more efficient therapies include the high invasiveness of the tumor, its complex genetics, and interpatient and intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Understanding and mapping the complexity of the different tumour cell populations and how each of these respond to therapy, ...
Heterogeneity and speed of bacterial persister cell formation and awakening KU Leuven
Microbes are continuously challenged by changing environmental conditions, such as variations in nutrients or stress factors. Appropriate adaptation to such novel situations is critical for microbial survival. The molecular mechanisms of adaptation and more specifically gene regulation in response to these novel conditions have been studied in great detail. However, two very fundamental aspects of adaptation remain unresolved so far. First, ...
Development of a novel method for single-cell whole-genome amplification to study cancer heterogeneity. KU Leuven
All the cells in a human body have arisen from one single cell, the zygote. Throughout development cells divide, make fate decisions, and transition between different cell types and cell states. Every cell division the genetic code is copied and passed on to the daughter cells. While this is under tight control, mistakes do occur. In most cases these mutations have no effect, but they can have severe consequences as is exemplified by the ...
Charting non-small cell lung cancer evolution and heterogeneity through multi-omics analysis and deconvolution KU Leuven
n many malignancies, molecular and cellular heterogeneity poses major challenges for diagnosis and treatment. Tumours are composed of subpopulations of cells harbouring distinct genomic alterations (subclones) which can affect their phenotype. Studies of intra-tumour heterogeneity generally focus on a single information layer. However, multi-omics characterisation is required to shed light on the functional impact of subclonal mutations. ...
Heterogeneity and speed of gene regulation in model microbes KU Leuven
CARDIAC FIBROBLAST HETEROGENEITY AND PLASTICITY KU Leuven
Globally, mortality and morbidity are increasing due to an increase in the number of patients with cardiovascular disease. Interstitial fibrosis plays an important role in this, which has a negative impact on the systolic and diastolic function of the heart. The current prescriptions for the treatment of chronic heart failure promote the quality of life of the patient but are not aimed at halting the further development of fibrosis or at the ...
Co-infections, heterogeneity and behaviour: models and real rodents. University of Antwerp
Heterogeneity and tissue imprinting of intestinal resident macrophages revisited: from transcriptome to function KU Leuven
Intestinal macrophages are essential components of the gastrointestinal tract and exhibit highly specific functions depending on their anatomical location within the gut. Lamina propria macrophages face the gut lumen and are involved in bacterial clearance, initiation of adaptive immunity and installing oral tolerance. In contract, macrophages residing in the muscularis externa regulate intestinal peristaltic activity through direct crosstalk ...