Projects
Structural, molecular, and cellular biology of PKD2 allosteric modulators as novel therapeutics for cancer KU Leuven
Recently, we applied computer aided drug design to develop
allosteric, isoenzyme specific inhibitors of Protein Kinase D2 (PKD2).
We have now validated our compounds as truly PKD2 isoenzyme
specific, with promising properties against pancreatic cancer,
glioblastoma and multiple myeloma (cancers of high unmet medical
need). While we have designed the compounds to bind a specific
location in PKD2, the crystal ...
Molecular biology of tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (YARS) mutations associated with peripheral neuropathy. University of Antwerp
Molecular biology of the steroid receptors KU Leuven
The androgen and glucocorticoid receptors (AR and GR) are similar, even when the hormones have very different physiological functions. Both receptors are important clinical targets. Structural and functional information from one receptor can be transferred to the other. We have new data on AR dimerization at the level of the DNA binding domain and the ligand binding domain, which now can be transferred to the GR. Conversely, we have data on ...
Molecular biology research of HSPB8 mutations associated with hereditary motor neuropathy. University of Antwerp
Identification of the molecular networks involved in leaf growth through a systems biology approach Ghent University
Plant growth and the influence of the environment on this growth are important aspects of plant physiology. Despite the fundamental importance of plant growth little is known on the molecular networks that govern size and growth rate of organs such as leaves. This project aims to unravel the regulatory pathways that drive leaf growth in a systems biology approach.
The herpesvirus toolkit to elucidate the molecular biology of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) and TNT-like cell projections Ghent University
Communication between cells is of essential importance in all physiological and pathological processes in multicellular organisms. A relatively recently discovered method of cell-cell communication consists of the formation of long cell projections by one cell that may cross the extracellular matrix and/or may reach and dock onto other, distantly located, cells, resulting in exchange of biological information between these previously ...
Molecular Genetics and Biology of Intermediate Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy. University of Antwerp
From gene to function: Unraveling the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer-associated ABCA7 risk variants in microglia biology. University of Antwerp
Molecular biology of the dimerization functions of the androgen receptor KU Leuven
The androgen receptor (AR: NR3C4) is a transcription factor which plays a central role in the development and maintenance of the male phenotype. This is illustrated by the many AR mutations that have been described in androgen insensitivity syndrome patients. While most of these mutations affect known AR functions like ligand, DNA or co-activator binding, some remained unexplained. We recently described a detailed map of the dimerization ...