Projects
Identifying virulence-associated genes in the head blight pathogen Fusarium poae via a comparative pathogenomics and transcriptomics approach Ghent University
This project proposal uses the high quality genome assembly of F. poae in a comparative pathogenomics and transcriptomics study with the aggressive pathogen F. graminearum and the cryptic pathogen F. langsethiae. The goal of this project is to get insight in the role of secondary metabolites, virulence- and effector genes in the cryptic pathogenesis of the ubiquitous pathogen F. poae.
Anti-HIV activity and mode of action of naturally occurring peptides interfering with the viral entry process KU Leuven
New insights into the fusion process of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in macrophages show the way for the development of effective PRRS vaccines Ghent University
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is one of the most devastating pathogens in swine. It is genetically unstable and difficult to control by vaccination. Our laboratory has made major contributions to a better understanding of the complex entry of PRRSV into its target cell, the macrophage. PRRSV enters through a receptor-mediated endocytosis and subsequently, a low pH is required to trigger proper viral uncoating. ...
Integrated management strategy of soil-borne fungi and nematodes in leafy vegetables grown in glasshouses Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
The most important fungal pathogens in the cultivation of butter lettuce under glass are Pythium spp., Sclerotinia spp., Rhizoctonia solani and Botrytis cinerea. They cause similar symptoms: the rotting of the lower leaves. In addition, problems with the nematodes Paratylenchus sp. and Pratylenchus penetrans occur regularly. In addition, a wilting disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ...
Ephrins and their receptors are crucial for the recruitment of pathogenic TH17 cells to the central nervous system in multiple sclerosis patients Hasselt University
A comprehensive study of genetic determinants of motor neuron vulnerability KU Leuven
Motor neuron diseases are a group of disorders in which degeneration of the motor system occurs, which results in progressive muscle weakness. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the best known example of a motor neuron disease. Others are hereditary spastic paraplegias, spinocerebellar ataxias and inherited peripheral neuropathies. They differ at a clinical level and as to which part of the motor system they predominantly affect. However ...
Investigating modifiers of C9orf72 induced pathology in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) using zebrafish. KU Leuven
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult onset neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. Clinically, patients present with painless subacute focal muscle weakness. The disease is rapidly progressive, generally leading to death in three to five years after symptom onset, and is unfortunately still incurable.
While in most patients the cause of the disease is unknown, ...
The role of FUS in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. KU Leuven
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective death of motor neurons. This progressive motor neuron loss results in muscle weakness, paralysis and ultimately death of the patient, usually within 5 years after the diagnosis. While no familial history is present in the majority of ALS patients, 10 % suffer from a familial variant of the disease (FALS). By far the most studied ...