Projects
A mouse model of somatic cell gene delivery as a tool to identify melanoma progression and metastasis genes. KU Leuven
Selection of driver genes and neuronal differentiation gene modules in neuroblastoma through an integrated genomic analysis Ghent University
Integrative genomic analyses and pathway reconstruction efforts will be implemented to the currently used set of analytical tools as an original and powerful approach to discriminate driver from passenger mutations in the next-generation sequencing of neuroblastoma tumor samples. Gene modules will be obtained and those implicated in normal sympathetic neuronal differentiation will be prioritized for further functional analyses.
The functional evolution of MADS-box genes driven by gene duplication and mRNA-bound proteomes in plants. KU Leuven
Summary
During my entire PhD career, one of my main focus was the research of the impact of whole genome duplications on gene functional innovation. Specifically, we reconstructed two ancestral MADS-domain protein interaction networks (PINs) at different time points by use of phylogenetic and biochemical approaches. One network was reconstructed just before the ancient whole genome gamma triplication (γ triplication) which occurred at ...
Unraveling the genetic etiology of sensory disorders: The role of calcium signaling genes at the auditory inner hair cell ribbon synapse and identification of new genes. University of Antwerp
Variable tandem repeats in regulatory genes as a source of "evolvability". KU Leuven
From genes to circuits: the evolution of species-specific communication in Drosophila. KU Leuven
Endothelial immunosuppressive mystery genes in spleen for alternative immunotherapy: dissecting their features via lipid nanoparticle-based target validation KU Leuven
The immune modulatory role of spleen: Being the largest lymphoid organ, it is widely known that the spleen can react to blood-borne antigens by initiating an immune response. The spleen is organized in two functionally distinctive regions called the red and white pulp, separated by an interface called the marginal zone. The splenic red pulp serves primarily to filter blood and recycle iron. In contrast, the white pulp allows the generation of ...
Isolation and characterisation of genes affecting low temperature growth in Serratia plymuthica RVH1 KU Leuven
Refrigerated foods are one of the most rapidly growing segments in the food industry. Refrigerated storage is necessary because these foods are perishable and can support growth of microorganisms that can cause spoilage or foodborne disease. Psychrotrophy, i.e. the ability to grow at temperatures below 4 °C, is widespread among bacteria of diverse phylogenetic lineages, but often varies at the genus, species or even strain level. The ...
Dissecting the role of Parkinson's Disease related genes in the regulation of clock neurons and circadian rhythms. KU Leuven
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common and incurable neurodegenerative disease. While motor defects and loss of dopaminergic neurons are hallmarks of the disease, alterations in sleep and circadian rhythms are well-recognized common non-motor-related symptoms that precede disease onset and are even thought to be important risk factors. However, a connection between sleep disturbances and the molecular pathogenesis of PD remains elusive. In this ...