Projects
Elucidating the importance of peroxisomal β-oxidation for retinal integrity KU Leuven
Deficiency and toxicity of micronutrients (copper and zinc): the reducing potential as a driving force in plant responses (Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica oleracea) Hasselt University
Investigating the role of Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, and Zn in resistance towards chemotherapeutic drugs using high-precision isotopic analysis via MC-ICP-MS Ghent University
Chemotherapy using Pt-based compounds is a standard cancer treatment, but tumours may develop chemoresistance, resulting in treatment failure. One mechanism behind chemoresistance is the disruption of metal homeostasis, which relates to changes in metal-binding proteins and redox status. The altered expression of ion channels (for Ca, K, and Mg) and Cu-, Fe-, and Zn-binding proteins has already been associated with resistance to ...
Validation of new blood-brain barrier passing ferroptosis inhibitor. University of Antwerp
Chalcogenourea derivatives of N-Heterocyclic carbenes and their biological applications. Ghent University
Recently, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have attracted significant attention from the organic as well as inorganic scientific communities. Therefore, we are synthesizing and characterizing the NHCderived seleno-, thio- and tellourea, studying the stability of their coordination bonds with transition metals and the possible oxidation additions to halogens and inter-halogens. The biological applications (anticancer) applications of the new ...
PurpleRace: Cost-cutting raceway technology for purple microbiomes, sustainable feed ingredients for healthy fish. University of Antwerp
Functional impact of DNA methylation changes. KU Leuven
The aim of my research is to provide a more solid basis and a greater understanding of the role of epigenetic changes in development and diseases such as cancer and aging. Indeed, while there is currently an explosion of studies looking into epigenetic changes, it is often unclear if the identified associations merely correlate with or causative for the altered phenotype. As epigenetic alterations are reversible and druggable, this ...
Bio-POMs: Bio-conjugation of PolyOxoMetalates for Life Science Applications Ghent University
Polyoxometalates (POMs) are metal-oxygen anionic clusters, which show huge potential for biomedical applications. The major drawback in using POMs in biomedicine is their inherent low cell delivery, mostly because of their negative charge, hampering translocation through hydrophobic membranes. Here, we propose to develop bio-conjugated POMs, asymmetrically functionalized with both cell-penetrating (CPPs) and homing peptides, for enhanced ...
Upstream regulators of the plant energy sensor SnRK1 KU Leuven
Plants arguably are the most crucial organisms to support life on Earth because of their conversion of electro-magnetic energy (sunlight) into chemical energy (energy-rich carbohydrates) by photosynthesis and the associated release of oxygen. In addition, they produce innumerable renewable food, feed, fiber and fuel products and resources for mankind. Unlike most other organisms, autotrophic plants have a sessile (rooted) lifestyle. It is ...