Projects
Zinc protoporphyrin IX formation in relation to the colouring of nitrite-free dry fermented sausages. KU Leuven
The colour of fresh meat is mainly determined by myoglobin, which is found in large quantities in mammalian muscles (≈ 30% of the total muscle proteins). Myoglobin has a globular structure and consists of one chain of 153 amino acids enclosing a non-protein heme group. This heme group, an iron-containing protoporphyrin IX, is the active center of myoglobin and directly responsible for the colour of meat.
Traditionally, sodium nitrite ...
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 ...
Study of Process Technology and Device Architecture for Amorphous Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide Thin Film Transistors KU Leuven
Amorphous oxide semiconductors (AOS) based thin film transistors (TFTs) find potential applications in the field of large area electronics. Among the various AOS, amorphous Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide (a-IGZO) based TFTs have been broadly researched in the display industry. The characteristics such as high mobility, large-area uniformity, transparency, and low-temperature processing make a-IGZO TFTs suitable for next generation Active Matrix ...
Influence of Lactobacillus fermentation on the iron and zinc bio-accessibility in vegetable products Ghent University
In vegetable products (legumes, grains and vegetables), the iron and zinc bio-accessibiltity is low. This is partly due to the presence of phytates, polyphenols and fibres, making complexes with iron en zinc. In this way the bio-accesibility and bio-availablity of these minor components is inhibited. In this project proposal, it is aimed to increase the bio-accessibility by using fermentations with Lactobacillus strains.
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 ...
Iron and zinc absorption in food products derived from processed wheat KU Leuven
Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are widespread in developing countries and in some industrialised countries. This can lead to the so-called hidden hunger in which people do not get the essential vitamins and minerals they need for their growth and development. Cereal crops are an important source of minerals. However, only 3-5% of Fe and Zn in wheat is bio-accessible as both these minerals are (i) physically entrapped and (ii) occur as ...
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, ...