Projects
The role of the Protein Phosphatase 2A Activator PTPA in KRAS-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer development and treatment resistance KU Leuven
Reversible protein phosphorylation, catalyzed by kinases and phosphatases, is arguably one of the most prominent signaling mechanisms in the human cell. Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a major family of Serine/Threonine protein phosphatases of which the members are involved in a broad array of cellular processes, such as mitogenic signaling, growth, cell division, DNA transcription, protein translation, DNA damage signaling and repair, ...
A better understanding of Protein Kinase D structure and regulation serving the development of innovative anti-cancer kinase inhibitors. KU Leuven
Characterization of the ACR4-AUR1/2-PP2A phosphorylation module in root growth Ghent University
The importance of the plant root system – which is taking care of indispensable plant functions such as uptake of nutrients and water, anchorage in the substrate and interactions with symbiotic organisms – is well-recognized (1). However, to maintain primary root growth and to create lateral organs, plants require coordinated (asymmetric) anticlinal and periclinal cell divisions followed by correct cell fate specification and cell ...
Role of receptor tyrosine kinases and associated gangliosides in influenza virus replication KU Leuven
Influenza infections produce significant medical and socio-economic burden. Every year, human influenza A and B viruses cause millions of cases of severe respiratory illness and death. Every so often, a pandemic arises when a zoonotic influenza A virus with sustained human transmissibility enters the human population. Antivirals are crucial for influenza treatment and prevention, especially in fragile populations such as elderly. At the ...
Development of a structural database for improved rational kinase drug design. KU Leuven
DIPITO: valorisation of deep immune profiling and novel immunotherapeutics for oncology. KU Leuven
Deciphering (a)biotic stress-mediated COI1 phosphorylation code in wheat Ghent University
Due to climate change, crop plants are exposed to higher average temperature and more frequent temperature extremes, and this has a negative impact on their growth and yield. Furthermore, climate change leads to weakened plant immunity caused by pathogens thriving under high temperature conditions. To improve thermotolerance and disease resistance in crops (e.g. wheat), it is crucial to understand the molecular and biochemical basis of how ...
Phosphorylation-mediated signaling during heat and drought stress in plants Ghent University
My results revealed a signaling axis that is involved in resolving the conflict during combined drought and stress. This axis consists of the high temperature-associated kinase MAP4K4, which controls the activity of a proton pump to regulate stomatal opening under high temperature. In turn MAP4K4 activity is regulated by the OST1 kinase under drought stress.