Projects
High resolution networks for the analysis of genetic rewiring in cancer Ghent University
Network-based methods (NBMs) are promising to identify driver pathways based on cancer systems genetics data NBMs use a network model to search for connected gene sets that are recurrently altered in a cohort of tumor samples These gene sets are proxies for driver pathways and contain next to recurrent drivers also drivers that recur less frequently in a cohort However, current NBMs are sensitive to the overconnectedness of the used network ...
Evolution of the plant lateral root initiation process Ghent University
The mission of the VIB/UGent department of Plant Systems Biology (PSB) is to
understand the molecular mechanisms involved in plant growth and development. In this
perspective, the Root Development group studies the development of the root system,
crucial for water and nutrients acquisition. Lateral Root Initiation (LRI) leading to root
branching is a key process insuring these functions. Even though different species ...
Promoting central nervous system regeneration. Genes that make a difference. KU Leuven
Investigating thoracic aortic aneurysm pathogenesis at single-cell resolution. University of Antwerp
Novel Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Options for Renal Fanconi Syndrome: A Focus on Cystinosis KU Leuven
Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder. It is caused by a mutation in the CTNS-gene, which codes for the lysosomal transporter protein cystinosin. Cystinosin is a cystineproton symporter transporting cystine out of the lysosome. Hence, in patients with cystinosis cystinosin deficiency causes cystine accumulation in the lysosomes and results in several manifestations all over the body, but mainly the generalized ...
Functional assessment and therapeutic targeting of a novel aortopathy syndrome caused by resessive IPO8 mutations. University of Antwerp
Leveraging comprehensive cancer systems genetic data to uncover the modus operandi of driver mutations Ghent University
During life our DNA undergoes many somatic aberrations of which only a small fraction effectively
enable cells to become cancerous (drivers). Methods that rely on a prior interaction network have
delivered promising results in identifying these drivers. However, current models highly
oversimplify biological reality: The networks that drive the analysis do not capture the context of
the tumor. Also, because aberrations ...
Is their a role for endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 in experimental colitis and inflammatory bowel disease? Ghent University
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine for which no
definitive cure exists. Searching for novel therapeutic targets, we identified a functional candidate
gene for IBD, called endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1). This gene is located within a
risk locus identified in genome-wide association studies (5q15) and we showed a reduced
expression of ERAP1 in peripheral blood ...
Investigating the epigenetic basis of locust swarming behaviour, and developing genomic editing in locusts KU Leuven
Locusts are devastating pests of worldwide agriculture, and key to their destructive nature is a reversible switch towards swarming behaviour. At low population densities locusts exist in the 'solitarious phase' and are like any other grasshopper; they live a solitary lifestyle, actively avoid each other, and cause little or no damage to crops. However, when environmental conditions force them into one place in search of food they can change ...