Projects
Boosting the production of innovative bola amphiphiles by applying integrated omics analyses. Ghent University
Bio-degradable and bio-based surface-active agents are a renewable and environmentally friendly
alternative to petroleum derived or oleochemical surfactants. I will conduct research on the
innovative bola amphiphilic sophorolipids (bola SL) produced by Starmerella bombicola. These
molecules can be applied in cosmetics, pharma, nanotechnology,... Recent EU-funded research
(IB2market)
demonstrated that there is a ...
Intratumoral gene transfer of immunomodulatory antibody combinations: a preclinical proof-of-concept study KU Leuven
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as a new promising treatment modality for cancer, as these monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been shown to enable durable responses in patients with various advanced and metastatic tumors. Still, a large proportion of cancer patients are refractory to this type of immunotherapy, which has led to a surging interest in combination treatments to improve response rates. These combination treatments, ...
Development of a practice tool for the improvement of palliative sedation practices in nursing homes: a phase 0-2 study according to the Medical Research Council framework. Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Identification of novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of alcohol-associated liver diseases using metabolomics. University of Antwerp
Elucidating the pathogenicity of genetic variants of uncertain significance in Brugada syndrome patients by functional modelling in hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and zebrafish. University of Antwerp
SMILE: cost-utility and impact of high-intensity speech therapy on Speech, MotIvation, and quality of LifE in children with cleft palate Ghent University
A cleft palate ± a cleft lip is the most prevalent congenital craniofacial defect. The societal burden of
this condition is substantial as it impacts speech, hearing, feeding, oral behavior, dentition, and
satisfaction with appearance. These consequences have a prolonged and adverse influence on social
integration and well-being. The WHO reported considerable financial costs incurred from this defect
in terms of ...
Development of a CRISPR-based tool for localized random mutagenesis of biosynthetic pathways KU Leuven
Yeast is one of the most frequently used microbes in today’s biotechnology and fermentation industry. But, despite its domestication and adaptation to man-made environments, new applications (such as the production of bioethanol or high-value chemicals) confront it with new challenges and unfamiliar, harsh environments. This leaves many opportunities to generate new, superior variants optimized for specific applications. Current approaches ...
Profiling of abnormal knee joint loading to reduce risk of post-traumatic Knee Osteoarthritis following Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction. KU Leuven
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries, are of particular concern to the young and active part of our population as about 50% of patients with ACL injury can expect to suffer from premature cartilage degeneration (osteoarthritis-OA) within 10 years after the injury. The primary cause of this cartilage degeneration is believed to be the many repetitions of pathological loading on the musculoskeletal structures (knee joint ...
Natural history and determinants of the burden of medial vascular calcification, using pseudoxanthoma elasticum as a model. Ghent University
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Europe. This proposal addresses one of the hallmark changes in CVD and premature aging, namely medial vascular calcification (VCm). Considered a good target for diagnosis and prevention, a comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences of VCm is lacking. We aim to contribute to this knowledge by studying a monogenic form of VCm, pseudoxanthoma elasticum ...