Projects
A profound study of the mechanism and field of application of the increase of Glucocorticoid Receptor transcriptional activity by zinc. Ghent University
We aim to find a treatment for systemic inflammatory response syndrom (SIRS), which is an often fatal acute condition occuring after serious trauma, bleeding, burning and infection (sepsis). Despite SIRS is an inflammatory condition, anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids (GCs) have no therapeutic benefit in SIRS. GCs bind to the GC receptor GR. Our work in mouse SIRS models show that GCs might have therapeutic future in SIRS if we find a way to ...
Understanding the anti-diarrhea effects of zinc at the Paneth cell level. Ghent University
Diarrhea in humans and animals causes immense socio-economic problems. The food and feed additive zinc (Zn) has clear protective effects against diarrhea. In pigs, post weaning diarrhea (PWD), usually resulting from Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), is efficiently treated by Zn. However the use of Zn will be forbidden from 2022 on, because of environmental issues. To replace Zn efficiently as a treatment, we have to understand its function. The ...
Generation, characterization and use of immortalized Paneth cells, to elucidate and mimic the therapeutic mechanism of Zinc against infections. Ghent University
Zinc (Zn) is a mineral, taken up from the food. Zn deficiency is related to intestinal infections and sepsis. Zn addition has been found to have therapeutic effects in animals and humans. However, the mechanism is not known. It is thought that Zn modulates the composition of the gut microbiome, by modulating gene expression in the intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Our work hypothesis is that Zn stimulates antimicrobial pathways in the most ...
Zinc homeostasis in ectomycorrhizal symbiosis: nutrition and beyond Vrije Universiteit Brussel
ectomycorrhizas (ECMs), are ubiquitous. Through these
associations, trees can colonize, establish and survive in a wide
range of soils. Underground hyphal networks regulate nutrient access
and limit translocation of pollutants in exchange for plant derived
sugars. Traditionally, transport of macronutrients throughout the
fungal mycelium and towards ...
Synthesis of fused isothiazole derivatives as inhibitors of cyclin G associated kinase (GAK) and phosphoinositide kinase FYVE-type zinc finger (PIKfyve) KU Leuven
Previous research in our lab led to the discovery of 6-aryl-isothiazolo[4,3-b]pyridines as potent and selective inhibitors of either cyclin G associated kinase (GAK) or phosphoinositide kinase FYVE-type zinc finger (PIKfyve). Both kinases are promising drug targets for the development of broadspectrum antiviral agents. Using the current chemistry, 3,6-disubstituted isothiazolo[4,3-b]pyridines can easily be prepared. In this project proposal, ...
Effects of tree species specific litter and root decompostition products on the mobility of cadmium and zinc in sandy soils Ghent University
Litter decomposition and fine root turnover are important within the mobilization process of metals. Hence, the goal of this project is to quantify the effects of decomposition processes of leaf litter and roots under differen tree species on the mobility of Cd and Zn, by means of the modifications in pH and percent base saturation and the different OC-fractions that will be originated during those decomposition processes
Social inequalities in cancer prevention care and fundamental social causes: a comparative study of innovative technologies and (in) effective policies. Ghent University
Persistent inequalities in preventive care use are observed within and across European countries, even in comprehensive welfare states. To explain the variance in and the persistence of these health inequalities, we turn to fundamental cause and diffusion of innovations theory to formulate baseline hypotheses on educational inequalities in cancer prevention use, across time and across European countries. Social inequalities have a modest ...