Projects
The role of dopamine D4 receptor ubiquitination and functional differences between the polymorphic receptor variants Ghent University
The ubiquitination of the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is enhanced upon its interaction with a BTB-Kelch protein, KLHL12. We have shown that the KLHL12-induced DRD4 polyubiquitination does not play a key role in receptor degradation. In the current research we are investigating the role of ubiquitination in receptor signaling.
Investigation of the role of dopamine D4 receptor modulation on µ-opioid receptor signaling Ghent University
The dopamine D4 receptor and the µ-opioid receptor are G protein-coupled receptors. We will investigate the cross-talk between both receptors.
MulTplex project: Development of a combinatorial multi-epitope T-cell receptor (TCR), non-signaling chimeric antigen receptor (NSCAR) and immunosuppressive immune checkpoint (IICP)-disrupted adoptive T-cell therapy against leukemia. University of Antwerp
Exploiting structural insights in IP3 receptor function to develop novel, allosteric inhibitors of IP3 receptor channels (SINFONIC) KU Leuven
Detailed analysis of mechanisms of leptin receptor activation and the development of leptin receptor antagonists. Ghent University
Target engagement biomarkers for pain receptors KU Leuven
The clinical development of novel analgesics is facing extreme challenges. The highest attrition is caused in the proof-of-concept phase (phase II) due to lack of efficacy and/or safety in the target population. Lack of efficacy is most prominent in CNS related diseases, including chronic pain conditions, in which animal models of efficacy often are insufficient to predict target engagement and efficacy in patients. A potential approach for ...
Are mas-related gene receptors involved in irritable bowel syndrome? University of Antwerp
Internalization of the peptide signal AtPep1 and its receptors AtPEPR1 and AtPEPR2 and co-receptor BAK1: implications for the plant innate immune responses. Ghent University
The elicitor peptide "AtPep1" is an endogenous peptide that plays a role in defense aginst pathogens. In Arabidopsis the AtPep1 binds to membrane receptor proteins PEPR1/PEPR2 that in turn interact with the co-receptor BAK1 and subsequently trigger immune responses. This research studies the internalization route of AtPep1 and the subcellular dynamics of its receptors and co-receptor.