Projects
BACSIN: Bacterial Abiotic Cellular Stress and Survival Improvement Network: identification of stress response factors in an organic pollutant-degrading sphingomonas strain. KU Leuven
Joint study of Fusarium and related mycotoxins in food: detection and control Ghent University
Research will be done by Chinese and Belgian research institutes on: 1. Development of rapid field detection techniques for mycotoxines (antibody-based rapid tests, molecularly imprinted polymers) 2. Survey of Fusarium toxins in vegetables and herbs, available on the Chinese market 3. Study of the Fusarium spp. Diversity on maize and banana in China and of the variation and distribution of the fumonisin biosynthesis gene cluster inside these ...
gene Therapy Ghent University
The in vivo evaluation and optimalization of DNA and RNA based therapeutic for the treatment of cancer is one of the central themes within the research group. Via this research we hope to devel a DNA or RNA based medicine that can be used for the treatment of companion animals or humans with cancer
Development of broad spectrum antimicrobial strategies for larviculture Ghent University
Bacteria with documented positive characteristics, isolated from fish larvae, will be used to formulate mixtures. The modes-of-action of these mixtures will be unravelled in standardised, gnotobiotic test models. Their action against opportunitic pathogenic bacteria in early stages of turbot will be tested in open and closed recirculation cultures.
The rational design and validation of a Salmonella Typhimurium vaccin by deletion of virulence genes for use in pigs Ghent University
In this project, extensively characterized, live, attenuated vaccinstrains of Salmonella Typhimurium are made. These strains should evoke a good protection against a Salmonella infection in pigs and be attenuated in humans, animals and the environment. In addition, the pigs vaccinated with these strains, should be serologically distinguishable from pigs infected with field strains of Salmonella in the current national Salmonella pig control ...
In vitro model of alphaherpesvirus latency and reactivation Ghent University
A typical characteristic of alphaherpesviruses is their ability to establish lifelong dormant infection sin neurons of their host, so-called latency. Specific stress stimuli may lead to reactivation from latency, with rnewed spread within and between hosts and recurrent disease symptoms. Despite the pathogenic importance of alphaherpesvirus latency and reactivation, relatively little is known about the underlying mechanisms, partly because of ...
Development of an oral vaccine to protect pigs against postweaning diarrhoea caused by F4+ enterotoxigenic EScherichia coli Ghent University
In this project, an oral vaccine will be developed to protect pigs against F4+ E. coli induced postweaning diarrhoea. Therefore, the F4 protein or DNA will be encapsulated in nanoparticles to prevent gastro-intestinal degradation and specific lectins will be used to promote uptake through the epithelial barrier via enterocytes or M cells.