Projects
Exploiting Ca2+ signaling and altered IP3R function in Bcell lymphomas KU Leuven
Cancer cells have developed different strategies to escape their cell death fate by imposing blocks in their apoptotic cell-death pathway or increasing pro-survival mechanisms. Such mechanisms make them very resistant and make cancer hard to cure. Here, we will focus on cancers depending on high levels of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Recently, experiments in healthy cells ...
Profiling of pro-apoptotic Ca2+ signaling in cancer cells. KU Leuven
The role of Ca2+ signaling for cyst formation in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease KU Leuven
Mutations in the genes encoding the polycystin-1 and -2 proteins lead to autosomal polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the most common inherited nephropathy leading to renal failure. The molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of renal cysts are poorly characterized, although better knowledge of these mechanisms could have important therapeutic consequences. Loss-of-function of polycystin-1 and -2 result in the activation of several ...
Ca2+ signalling in ADPKD: mechanisms and consequences. KU Leuven
Mutations in the genes encoding the polycystin-1 and -2 proteins lead to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the most common inherited renal disease. Hallmark of the disease is the progressive development of renal cysts that lead to kidney failure. The molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of cysts are of major interest to develop novel strategies for treatment and prevention of ADPKD. Disturbed Ca2+ signaling in ...
Regulation of intracellular Ca2+ signalling by the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2-family members. KU Leuven
Regulation of lysosomal function by ryanodine receptormediated Ca2+ release in health and disease KU Leuven
Disruption of lysosomal function is an early event in the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The origin of this lysosomal dysfunction is still extensively studied and may be directly related to intracellular accumulation of AD associated amyloid beta in the lysosomes impairing their function. Another early event in AD is the dysregulation of intracellular Ca2+ release which impacts among other processes memory formation. Excessive ...
The role of lysosomal Ca2+ in the regulation of autophagy KU Leuven
The ER is the largest organelle found in the cell and acts as the largest Ca2+ store, with a [Ca2+]ER around 500 µM while the [Ca2+]cyt is around 100 nM. Various proteins, including the SERCA pump and the IP3 receptor, regulate the Ca2+ content of the ER. The high [Ca2+]ER is important for the role of Ca2+ as second messenger, but also for the proper functioning of the ER chaperones involved in the folding of newly synthesised proteins and in ...
Crosstalk in the Ca2+ microdomain between lysosomes and endoplasmic reticulum controls the autophagic process. KU Leuven
Autophagy is an important cellular process conserved throughout evolution. Cellular material like long-lived or aggregated proteins, defective organelles, intracellular pathogens etc. are engulfed in double-membrane vesicles called autophagosomes. This leads, after fusion with the lysosomes, to their degradation and recycling of the breakdown products. Under stress situations, autophagy protects the cells and maintains their viability. ...