Projects
Symmetry driven self-assembly of hybrid POM/Protein Frameworks (PProFs) based on rational protein design and metal-oxo clusters KU Leuven
A comprehensive model for protein aggregation and its application to the design of monoclonal antibodies and peptides for targeted aggregation KU Leuven
Design and synthesis of activity-based biomarker probes for fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP-alpha). University of Antwerp
GIVAM - Simulation of the total gut by in vitro animal models targeting specific monogastrics to allow rational feed design: the case of alternative protein sources KU Leuven
Computational design of PolyOxoMetalates scaffolding proteins KU Leuven
Despite remarkable advancements in computational techniques, designing a functional protein from scratch remains very challenging and led scientists to adopt a `bottom-up' approach. Here, existing proteins are used as building blocks for functionalization with active sites or binding motifs.
Symmetric globular proteins stand out due to their inherent stability and compatibility with macromolecular assemblies.
This thesis first ...
Computational design of artificial nuclear receptor proteins KU Leuven
In this project, we will use computer-based methods and experimental biology to design a novel nuclear receptor based biosensor, which may serve as an orthogonal signaling system for synthetic biology. This PhD thesis aims at the computational component of the project. This includes development of a computational protein design workflow to design a protein sensor for any given ligand (inducer) that, upon binding, is able to transfer the ...
Structure-based design of lysosome targeting chimeric proteins Ghent University
Classical drug design approaches rely on finding an accessible binding site whose occupancy can exert a pharmacological effect. This condition eliminates many membrane proteins from being “druggable”. In a new venue, “Lysosomal Targeting Chimeras” (LYTACs) use lysosome-shuttling receptors to establish targeted degradation of membrane proteins. In LYTACs, a chimeric ligand comprises a ligand targeting a membrane protein fused to a ligand of a ...
VersaTile Platform: innovating modular proteins by combinatorial design Ghent University
During a preliminary process (IOF StarTT 039), the VersaTile Platform has matured into a mature technology. The platform is a comprehensive DNA assembly method aimed at protein engineering and is extremely suitable for the synthetic biology of modular proteins. A service agreement with a company has been signed. Following a positive evaluation of the project, both partners aim for further negotiations concerning a license agreement.
...Design and use of a novel HEK293S-based expression system for eukaryotic (membrane) proteins Ghent University
HEK293 cells are genetically modified in such a way that they become better adapted to express and accomodate membrane proteins.