Projects
Study of fatty acid modification and metabolism on the activity of quorum sensing molecules and lipopeptides produced by Pseudomonas spp. Ghent University
Pseudomonads produce antimicrobial or cytotoxic cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs) and quorum sensing signal molecules, i.e. N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) as interesting secondary metabolites. The overall goal is a) the identification of the role of AHL-mediated quorum sensing mechanisms in regulating secondary metabolite production (CLPs) and b) the elucidtation of fatty acid-based biosynthetic pathways and SAR of CLPs.
The effect of rewiring fatty acid metabolism on the epigenetic landscape of metastasizing breast cancer cells. KU Leuven
This project will invesigate how pyruvate metabolically regulates CP4H metastatic growth. I will address this objectives by studying proline metabolism and its inhibition in 3D cultured breast cancer cells and in a metastatic breast cancer mouse model using metabolmics, imaging and molecular biology techniques.
Fatty acid metabolism in control of the phenotype of phagocytes in MS lesions. Hasselt University
The consequences of high free fatty acid concentrations in the micro-environment of the oocyte and zygote on metabolic, genetic and epigenetic quality parameters of the pre-implantation embryo. University of Antwerp
Maternal metabolic disorders and the consequences for the egg cell and embryo quality: the impact of increased Free fatty acid concentrations during egg cell maturation on the development and differentiation of the pre-implantation embryo. University of Antwerp
Fatty acid pathways at the basis of marine food webs: a baseline for sustainable use of marine food resources Ghent University
In order to obtain more sustainable aquaculture practices taking into account global change, solid knowledge on the transfer efficiency of biomass and energy from primary producers to mesoconsumers is crucial. For that, this research project will study the biosynthesis and bioconversion of fatty acids by primary consumers at the basis of marine food webs under various conditions.
Effect of plant secondary metabolites on in vitro biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids by rumen microbes Ghent University
The large interest in improving the health value of ruminant products has driven research to find ways to manipulate the rumen fatty acid metabolism. Plant secondary metabolites, such as essential oils, flavonoids, tannins and spaonins have received increasing interest as natural alternatives to the use of antibiotics. Screening of different herb metabolites will be performed using a rumen stimulation in vitro technique.