Projects
Mechanical characterization of micro-tissues for tissue engineering KU Leuven
We will make use of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), a high-resolution technique that measures local mechanical forces from the deflection of a cantilever, and nanoindentation (NI). We will perform AFM and NI measurements on micro-tissues from adult progenitors (hPDCs and iPS) at different stages of chondro-genic differentiation. From AFM measurements, we will obtain the apparent visco-elastic properties of the multicellular material, as it ...
Kinase-dependent regulation of plant endocytosis upon temperature stress. Ghent University
How do plants regulate their cellular processes in response to temperature fluctuations? Liquid-liquid phase-separation has emerged as a crucial mechanism to organise and drive essential cellular processes in a temperature-dependent fashion and excess phase separation has been linked to protein inactivation. Recently I discovered that two essential subunits of the Arabidopsis TSET/TPLATE endocytic adaptor complex, AtEH1/Pan1 and AtEH2/Pan1 ...
Advanced cell models and multifunctional nanomaterials for light-mediated cancer therapies KU Leuven
Advanced cell models and multifunctional nanomaterials for light-mediated cancer therapies KU Leuven
Despite significant advances in cancer therapy over the past decades, cancer remains the number one cause of death worldwide. In the last years there has been increasing interest in the development of new treatment modalities with reduced side effects for difficult-to-cure cancers. A prominent example is Photothermal Therapy (PTT), designed to selectively kill cancerous tissue in the body through localized, light-induced thermal stress. The ...
A sustainable upgrade for advanced imaging research in functional biology KU Leuven
Single virus imaging of early steps of HIV replication KU Leuven
TRPM channel regulation by trafficking: mechanisms and physiological implications KU Leuven
TRPM channels are a family of ion channels that occur in the plasma membrane virtually every mammalian cell. Opening of these channels, in response to specific chemical or physical stimuli, is involved in various important physiological responses, including temperature sensing, mineral (re) absorption, taste perception, sensing of oxidative stress and cardiac rhythmicity. Dysregulation of their function can lead to inherited or acquired ...
A new methodology for the design of application-tuned image reconstruction and restoration algorithms. Ghent University
Digital imaging systems are ubiquitous and impact many fields of research and industry, from (biomedical) electron microscopy to radio astronomy. Nearly all systems use some form of digital image restoration or reconstruction algorithm (DRA) to either improve image quality or as an essential part of their operation. The large impact of DRAs has enabled new applications, such as light field cameras, heterogeneous sensor devices, microwave ...
Renewing the digital platform to acquire, analyse and archive both macroscopic and microscopic images Ghent University
This proposal will allow a complete renewal of the digital platform of the department of Morphology (digital camera’s for fluorescence microscope, steremicroscope and inverted microscope, image analysis software, server based database). By doing this, the research performed in the department of Morphology can be continued on a high level, and the support to other departments can be guaranteed.