Projects
Characterization of short- and long-distance neuronal circuits in the enteric nervous system and their specific defects in Hirschsprung’s disease using advanced microscopy and stem cell technology KU Leuven
A distinguishing feature of the gastrointestinal (GI) system is the presence of the enteric nervous system (ENS), a mesh-like network of neurons and glia. The ENS mainly controls GI motility, secretion and local blood flow. During development, vagal neural crest cells enter and migrate down the gut to colonize the intestinal tube and form the ENS. As these neural progenitors have the daunting task of traveling long distances and bridging ...
Optogenetic dissection of neural networks in the enteric nervous system. KU Leuven
This project seeks to answer both cell biological and neurophysiological questions about the development and function of the enteric nervous system (ENS), a nervous network that is essential for gastrointestinal function.
Crosstalk between enteric nervous system and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in colon cancer progression. KU Leuven
Colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression is regulated by mechanisms of both innate and acquired immunity. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) support growth, survival, migration, and metastatic spread of cancer cells. While the interaction between cancer cells and immune cells, including TAMs, has well been established, the presence and role of innervation in the colonic tumor microenvironment represent an unexplored field. I have ...
The peripheral component of neurodegeneration: uptake and transmission of amyloid proteins in the enteric nervous system. University of Antwerp
Prenatal adeno-associated viral transduction of the enteric nervous system as a novel toolbox in neurogastroenterological research. University of Antwerp
Crosstalk between enteric nervous system and tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs)in colon cancer progression KU Leuven
The main objective is to investigate and interfere with the molecular pathways involved in the crosstalk between enteric glial cells (EGC) and myeloid cells to prevent colon cancer progression and metastasis. The project evaluates the translational opportunity of targeting the enteric nervous system and tumour associated macrophages (TAMs) as key regulators of tumour progression and cancer cell dissemination in colorectoral cancer (CRC).