Projects
A method for efficient CRISPR/Cas9 Gene editing in difficult to transform arthropods Ghent University
In this concepTT, we want to capitalize on a unique gene editing method that we developed for the spider mite Tetranychus urticae. Mites - together with ticks, spiders and scorpions - belong to the Chelicerata, the second largest group of animals on the planet, and are notoriously difficult to genetically transform. We will collect data on variations in the formulation composition that might further improve editing efficiency. We will show ...
Transferred Immunity by Gene Editing of Antigen Receptors (TIGEAR) Ghent University
Transferred Immunity by Gene Editing of Antigen Receptors (TIGEAR) could become a challenging technology that would completely change the current view of immunity, immunization and vaccination. The primary purpose of this ConcepTT application is to generate proof-of-concept data.
Next-generation cancer therapy: gene editing meets nanotechnology KU Leuven
Cancer is one of the major causes of death in our society. The anti-cancer drugs currently used in chemotherapy produce several side effects and, although fatal for almost all cells in a tumor, a small percentage of cells appear to resist the treatment. Therefore, it is urgent to design new therapies that specifically target these cells while causing no harm to healthy tissue. The resistance to multiple drugs is linked to the presence of ...
Unraveling early lineage segregation during human embryonic development using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing Ghent University
In this research proposal we want to evaluate the efficiency and usability of CRISPR-Cas9 for gene editing of mouse and human embryos (i.e. silencing of NANOG and CDX2). We will analyze the effect on early lineage segregation, and extend the culture period by using a recently established peri-implantation model and by the derivation of embryonic stem cells. The present project proposal will improve our understanding of how early human ...
In vivo functional evaluation of unclassified variants, found in the breast cancer gene BRCA2, using CRISPR-mediated genome editing in zebrafish Ghent University
Germline pathogenic variants in BRCA2 are associated with a significantly increased risk of
breast cancer. Nevertheless, upon diagnostic testing in patients with a presumed genetic predisposition, significant numbers of variants of unknown significance (VUS) are identified in BRCA2. Our goal is to develop a pipeline for accurate, rapid, and cost-effective brca2 variant causality testing in zebrafish.
IDENTIFICATION AND VALIDATION OF DRUG-TARGET INTERACTIONS USING CRISPR/CAS-MEDIATED GENOME EDITING KU Leuven
Drug discovery and development are cornerstones of the pharmaceutical industry. However, these processes are difficult, time-consuming and costly. Many new drugs fail during clinical development due to insufficient demonstration of their clinical benefit and efficacy. One of the major reasons for this failing is the lack of robust understanding of a drug’s mechanism of action. In addition, phenotypic drug discovery is experiencing a revival ...
Large-scale genome editing in the green seaweed Ulva mutabilis Ghent University
Seaweeds are important and have unique features making them interesting for industrial applications, yet they are underrepresented in functional gene characterization studies. Ulva is currently the only seaweed where transgenes can be efficiently expressed and while gene disruption by CRISPR is possible, it is inefficient. We need to drastically increase CRISPR efficiency in Ulva to allow the generation of large-scale mutant collections for ...