Projects
The role of cathepsins in apoptosis and antigen presentation studied by positional proteomics Ghent University
Positional proteomics to isolate N- and C-terminal peptides will be used for detailedanalyses of substrates and functions of cathepsins. Substrate catalogues of recombinantcathepsins will be generated, substrates cleaved during cell death in a mouse cellularmodel system will be mapped and the individual roles of cathepsins D and E in MHCclass II antigen presentation will be established.
Research towards the molecular pathogenesis of chlamydophila psittaci in human macrophages and epithelial cells: genomics, proteomics and methylomics of highly and less virulent strains. Ghent University
The project aims at getting more insight into the bacterium host cell interactions, focusing on the molecular pathogenesis en reprogrammation of the host cell by this obligate intracellular bacterium. For that purpose we can make use of well identified chlamydophila psittaci strains with well documented differences in virulence demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo.
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.
Molecular mechanisms in tumor cell invasion and diabetes: bridging novel proteomics with cell biology Ghent University
Using recently developed gel-free proteome technologies (COFRADIC), we aim at gaining new insights and identifying novel molecules involved in signaling mechnisms leading to tumor invasion and B-cell destruction in diabetes.
Epic Proteomics: an MS-based workflow for parallel profiling of histone epigenetics and protein expression. Ghent University
By using novel approaches in instrumentation and the novel data analysis strategies that these innovations have enabled, I aim to link our current map of the histone code to changes in the proteome for the first time, delivering a powerful tool for novel fundamental discovery as well as translational research.
Combined dual transcriptomic, proteomic and functional investigations to reveal host-pathogen interactions behind the virulence of foodborne pathogen Bacillus cereus Ghent University
A toxin-mediated infection of foodborne Bacillus cereus requires direct contact of viable B. cereus with its host for in-situ production of diarrheal enterotoxins. This direct contact leads to a cross-talk between a pathogen and its host. The interaction will be investigated by functional, cytotoxic and
transcriptomic approaches, using tools such as Seahorse flux analysis, RNAseq, microarrays, RTPCR, ELISA and mass-spectrometry.
Proteomic investigation of cellular signalling in bottom-fermenting brewing yeast during serial re-pitching KU Leuven
Combined dual transcriptomic, proteomic and functional investigations to reveal host-pathogen interactions behind the virulence of foodborne pathogen Bacillus cereus Ghent University
A toxin-mediated infection of foodborne Bacillus cereus requires direct contact of viable B. cereus with its host for in-situ production of diarrheal enterotoxins. This direct contact leads to a cross-talk between a pathogen and its host. The interaction will be investigated by functional, cytotoxic and transcriptomic approaches, using tools such as Seahorse flux analysis, RNAseq, microarrays, RT-PCR, ELISA and mass-spectrometry.