Projects
Does angiopoietin-Tie signaling affect podocyte integrity in kidney glomeruli? Ghent University
We recently discovered TIE1 and TIE2 receptor signaling on kidney glomerular podocytes, which are important cells of the glomerular filtration barrier. To investigate if TIE-receptors regulate glomerular integrity, we will investigate the role of this signaling system on podocyte function, i.e. survival, migration, proliferation and permeability. In addition, we will investigate the downstream
signaling pathways regulated by ...
Mechanism of podocyte damage in the development of sickle cell nephropathy KU Leuven
Several factors including genetic ones such as APOL1 risk variants (G1 and G2) and HMOX1 GT repeats have been shown to influence the development of sickle cell nephropathy (SCN). We have previously shown that APOL1 high risk genotypes are associated with SCN in our steady-state sickle cell disease (SCD) paediatric population from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (unpublished data). However, data on associations between these genetic ...
Extracellular vesicles from follicular fluid are key for successful development of fresh and vitrified equine oocytes Ghent University
In vitro embryo production has become a popular breeding technique in horses, but suboptimal conditions for in vitro maturation and oocyte cryopreservation limit its full potential. When in vivo matured oocytes are used, high embryo development rates can be achieved with both fresh and vitrified oocytes, indicating the presence of crucial signaling factors in the natural environment, the growing follicle. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), present ...
Generation of oocytes from isolated stem cells in pigs. University of Antwerp
Development of polymeric nanoparticle carriers for targeted drug delivery to oocytes. University of Antwerp
Mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress in oocytes and embryos as treatment targets for infertile patients with metabolic diseases. University of Antwerp
Cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation in pig oocytes Ghent University
The removal of the oocyte from the follicle can affect its developmental competence by a premature drop in cAMP levels. We hypothesize that keeping cAMP levels high during early stages of in vitro maturation will increase normal fertilization rates and predict that both oocyte-secreted factors and proteins/proteases present in the follicular fluid, play a key role in preventing polyspermy.
The direct consequences of elevated free fatty acids concentrations in the blood on the viability of ovarian follicles and the oocyte's developmental capacity: an animal model. University of Antwerp
Functional proteomics and in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes Ghent University
Supplementation of follicular fluid to the maturation medium has a positive influence on in vitro maturaion of porcine oocytes. Functional proteomics will be used to identify proteins in the follicular fluid that are responsible for the maturation promoting activity of the follicular fluid. That way, a chemically defined maturation medium may be developed.