Projects
How does the mosquito microbiota (virome and bacteriome) influence the ability of Culex mosquitoes to transmit West Nile virus and Usutu virus, two important emerging flaviviruses in Europe? KU Leuven
Crosstalk between MUC13 signalling and the mucosal microbiota in gastric cancer development. University of Antwerp
How does the microbiota modulate neonatal gut maturation? Determination by in vitro and in vivo porcine models. KU Leuven
How does the microbiota modulate neonatal gut maturation? Determination by in vitro and in vivo porcine models. KU Leuven
From birth, the gastrointestinal system gets colonised by microorganisms such as bacteria which collectively constitute the gut microbiota. Bioactive compounds such as oligosaccharides from colostrum and milk play an important role in driving this early colonisation process through their interactions with the host. It remains to be seen however how the sensitivity of intestinal cells and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) to ...
The impact of lactose-intolerance on gut health: evaluation of the colonic microbiota, fermentation, fecal water genotoxicity and cytotoxicity. KU Leuven
Unravelling the microbiota of tef injera and its impact on quality and shelf-life Ghent University
This research proposal is designed to study the role of the microbiota and to develop a stable backslopping culture with the aim to increase the quality and shelf-life of an Ethiopian staple food i.e. traditional tef injera. Samples will be collected from Ethiopian households to identify the microbiota involved in the fermentation process, and to study the role of the microbiota in the sensorial and nutritional quality, as well as in the ...
The intestinal microbiota of pollinators: a treasure chest of novel and unexploited diversity Ghent University
Bumble bees, bees and wasps are key pollinators of plants, yet are threatened by a range of biotic and abiotic factors such as pathogens and climate change. It becomes increasingly clear that for these pollinators too, the gut microbiota can protect and promote growth of their host. We aim to characterize the culturable gut microbiota of a large number of pollinators and to investiga their functional role.
Functional analysis of fecal microbiota of Crohn's disease patients. KU Leuven
Diversity and nutritional modulation of fecal microbiota in captive cheetahs Ghent University
This project aims to characterize the intestinal microbiota of cheetahs with specific focus on the influence of changes in the strict carnivorous diet on the fecal microbiota and its role in the digestive process. Based on the use of molecular techniques (PCR-DGGE, real-time PCR) and dedicated in-vitro and in-vivo studies, we will identify indicator organisms with beneficial fermentation profiles, and new insights in their role to maintain ...