Projects
Application of whole exome sequencing to identify the genetic defect in hereditary connective tissue disorders University of Antwerp
Exosome-inspired nanocarriers for the delivery of small interfering RNA Ghent University
Drug delivery across intra-and extracellular barriers remains a major bottleneck in the clinical application of siRNA. To overcome these hurdles, siRNAs need to be packaged in nanosized drug carriers. An exciting new research area involves using cell-derived microvesicles (e.g. exosomes) as delivery tool for macromolecular therapeutics. The major objective is to evaluate exosomes and exosome-mimetic nanoparticles for siRNA delivery
Improved glycoconjugate purification using temperature-controlled lectin multimers Ghent University
Both glycans and lectins play essential roles in various aspects of the physiology and immunity of humans, animals, plants and micro-organisms. Binding between a single lectin molecule and a single glycan ligand (affinity) is typically very weak. Strong, biologically relevant binding is usually the result of multivalent interactions, i.e. the interaction of multiple lectins with multiple glycan ligands (avidity). Hence, multivalency is the ...
Exploring the added value of exosome-mediated dual targeting in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma KU Leuven
The metastic niche: preparation, function and translational evidence of a permissieve micro environment for cancer dissemination Ghent University
Establishment of cancer metastases is “successful” only if premetastatic niches are prepared in certain organs. Exosomes derived from cancer cells, are presumed to contribute to this process. In this project the biogenesis of exosomes is studied, and transgenic animals will be applied. Last but not least, exosome markers will be traced in organs (lymph nodes, bone marrow, lung) from cancer patients, as predictive markers.
The metastic niche: preparation, function and translational evidence of a permissieve micro environment for cancer dissemination Ghent University
Establishment of cancer metastases is “successful” only if premetastatic niches are prepared in certain organs. Exosomes derived from cancer cells, are presumed to contribute to this process. In this project the biogenesis of exosomes is studied, and transgenic animals will be applied. Last but not least, exosome markers will be traced in organs (lymph nodes, bone marrow, lung) from cancer patients, as predictive markers.
The metastic niche: preparation, function and translational evidence of a permissieve micro environment for cancer dissemination Ghent University
Establishment of cancer metastases is “successful” only if premetastatic niches are prepared in certain organs. Exosomes derived from cancer cells, are presumed to contribute to this process. In this project the biogenesis of exosomes is studied, and transgenic animals will be applied. Last but not least, exosome markers will be traced in organs (lymph nodes, bone marrow, lung) from cancer patients, as predictive markers.
Development of tools to aid rigor and standardization in extracellular vesicle research. Ghent University
Exosomes and microvesicles/ectosomes, collectively termed extracellular vesicles (EV), have attracted much recent interest because of their potential functions, use as disease biomarkers and possible therapeutic exploitation. Due to their enormous relevance, this relatively new field of research is quickly expanding. While Europe leads the field of EV research, this group of Applicants have identified many gaps in knowledge that need to be ...
Elusive confounding factors: how transparent methodology fuels the discovery of extracellular vesicle-associated cargo and functions. Ghent University
Exosomes and microvesicles/ectosomes, collectively termed extracellular vesicles (EV), have attracted much recent interest because of their potential functions, use as disease biomarkers and possible therapeutic exploitation. Due to their enormous relevance, this relatively new field of research is quickly expanding. While Europe leads the field of EV research, this group of Applicants have identified many gaps in knowledge that need to be ...