Projects
Dissecting the role of secretion systems in virulence of Burkholderia cenocepacia, the causative of cepacia syndrome in cystic fibrosis patients Ghent University
Burkholderia cenocepacia is an opportunistic pathogen that may cause severe complications for cystic fibrosis patients. We aim to apply proteomic technology to identify proteins that are secreted by the type III en IV secretion systems and consequently injected in the host cell. We will study the influence of environmental conditions on the levels of virulence factors and determine their effect on the viability of the host cell and on its ...
Role of developmental processes in the virulence of human pathogens: from molecular mechanisms to novel therapeutic targets Ghent University
The overall aim of this project is to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms involved in key developmental processes in microorganisms. To achieve this goal we have assembled a consortium of seven Belgian research teams and one international team. These eight partners will jointly carry out tasks detailed in six work packages (WPs) :
WP1 : Tools
WP2 : Role of nutrient sensing in the development of single and multispecies ...
Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase as a major virulence factor of Helicobacter suis: mechanisms leading to epithelial cell necrosis and immune modulation Ghent University
Helicobacter suis is the most prevalent non-Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter species in humans suffering from gastric disease. We aim to unravel the mechanisms used by this bacterium and its gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to cause gastric epithelial cell death on one hand and to modulate the host immune response on the other hand.
Virulence genes of Helicobacter heilmannii involved in adhesion to the gastric mucosa Ghent University
Helicobacter heilmannii, naturally colonizing the stomach of cats and dogs, also causes gastric pathology in humans. It is not known how this bacterium colonizes the stomach and how it causes disease. Therefore, the H. heilmannii genes involved in adhesion to the gastric mucosa will be identified and their role in pathogenesis will be determined.
The impact of host-pathogen interactions on the virulence of luminescent vibrios towards brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) Ghent University
The virulence of luminescent vibrios is determined by the expression of different virulence genes. In this project, a model system with gnotobiotic brine shrimp (Artemia) larvae will be used to study virulence gene expression in vivo during infection. Furthermore, the impact of bacterial cell-to-cell communication (quorum sensing) and host stress hormones on virulence gene expression will be studied as well.
Study on transmission and virulence of honeybee viruses in bumblebees, and use ofbiotechnology for improving bumblebee health Ghent University
Recent data demonstrate that bumblebees are declining in numbers and in species diversity.
Bumblebees as Bombus terrestris are important worldwide pollinators of wildflowers and
cultivated crops in modern agriculture. Indeed, as in honeybees, it is expected that viral
infections can also cause the collapsing of colonies of bumblebees, however, there is no
information to date. In order to fill this gap, this project ...
Study on transmission and virulence of honeybee viruses in bumblebees, and use ofbiotechnology for improving bumblebee health Ghent University
Recent data demonstrate that bumblebees are declining in numbers and in species diversity.
Bumblebees as Bombus terrestris are important worldwide pollinators of wildflowers and
cultivated crops in modern agriculture. Indeed, as in honeybees, it is expected that viral
infections can also cause the collapsing of colonies of bumblebees, however, there is no
information to date. In order to fill this gap, this project ...
Role of bacterial biofilms as a cause of therapeutic failure in intensive care units: in vitro and in vivo study of 'biofilms' virulence factors. University of Antwerp
Helicobacter suis virulence factors associated with cytotoxicity, inhibition of T-cell proliferation and gastric pathology Ghent University
The role of H. suis gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in gastric epithelial cell death, inhibition of T-cell proliferation and induction of gastric pathology will be studied. Other virulence mechanisms involved in death of host cells will also be identified.