Teams

The lab investigates mechanisms, diagnostics, and intervention strategies related to critical illnesses, brain injuries, kidney and vascular diseases. In addition, the team explores the potential of ferroptosis as a novel anti-cancer therapy for eliminating therapy-resistant cancers. The lab has established a comprehensive ferroptosis platform encompassing novel lead ferroptosis inhibitors and genes, ferroptosis diagnostics, and ferroptosis-based nanomedicine for anti-cancer therapeutics.

Checkout : https://www.vanden-berghe-lab.com/research/

Identify epigenomic targets of medicinal natural compounds, steroid hormones and hypoxia mimetics in models of cancer-inflammation, cardiovascular disease and neuroplasticity Epigenetic modulator effects of different medicinal compounds will be characterized at the level of DNA methylation and activities of chromatin modifier enzymes (writer/eraser/reader) in relation to therapy sensitivity (chemo/hormone resistance), cardioprotection (atherosclerosis), or cognitive functions (behaviour, memory)

Characterize the epigenetic role of steroid responsive microRNAs in hormone therapy responses in cancer-inflammation (mirnomics, transcriptomics)

Characterize intracellular protein targets of phytochemicals with epigenome targeting properties on a proteome-wide scale (chemoproteomics, transcriptomics)

Applying systems biology approaches to integrate epigenomic, transcriptomic, microRNomic, (chemo)proteomic datasets to identify key signalling pathways and molecular targets of medicinal phytochemicals.

For more information please click here or contact Wim Vanden Berghe (wim.vandenberghe@uantwerpen.be).

My research group investigates the function of cytosolic protein complexes termed inflammasomes that play important roles in immune responses. Inflammasome activation happens through a sensor protein that senses the trigger, after which a protease termed caspase-1 executes inflammasome functions. Both pathogens and host-derived danger and stress signals can trigger caspase-1 activity of inflammasomes, which then cleaves its substrates. These substrates include Gasdermin D, of which the N-terminal fragment then triggers a lytic form of cell death termed pyroptosis. This inflammasome-induced cell death mode is accompanied by the release of the IL-1β and IL-18 pro-inflammatory cytokines, both of which are maturated by caspase-1 activity, as well as several danger-associated molecular patterns that together mount an efficient inflammatory response. Among the widespread impact of inflammasome signaling on human health, our research focuses on the role of inflammasome signaling and pyroptosis in infectious diseases and auto-inflammatory diseases (AIDs). During infections, inflammasome responses mainly contribute to host defense. Conversely, individuals with gain-of-function mutations in genes encoding inflammasome components suffer from AIDs. For the latter we have several genetic mouse models at our disposal in which inflammasomes are hyperactivated. In the context of infectious diseases, we are investigating murine inflammasome and pyroptosis responses to several viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens. By studying these auto-inflammation and infection mouse models we aim to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms how inflammasome-induced pyroptosis drives auto-inflammatory diseases as well as host defense against pathogens.

Biomarkers

The cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) contains a wealth of information on the physiological status of the organs of the female genital tract. After cataloguing the proteins that reside in the CVF, we conducted several differential proteomics studies on CVF for the identification of protein biomarkers for cervix carcinoma and for biomarkers that correlate with the HIV-1 resistant or ESN status (Exposed SeroNegative individuals). These biomarkers could open the way towards more accurate (self?)tests to be used in large-scale screening for cervical (pre)cancer.

Another body fluid that provides us with much information from inside the body is saliva. Since pigs - especially piglets - are very sensitive to different kinds of stress, we investigate the saliva of piglets in a differential proteomics study and search for proteins that reflect the stress status of the piglet. On the basis of these protein biomarkers, a relative simple test could be developed such that the farmer can improve breeding conditions in favor of the pig.

Investigate the molecular mechanisms that determine COVID-19 disease severity

With our partners in Cuba, we have collected blood and cell samples from patients that respond differently (mild versus severe) to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A first study showed that chronic inflammation and metabolic diseases markedly increase the chance of suffering increases severity of COVID-19. We are now looking at the molecular mechanisms behind this relationship in order to improve COVID-19 healthcare.

Are there biological reactions in nature that can only be explained by the laws of quantum mechanics?

Recent biophysical hypotheses and experiments point to interactions between proteins that go behind classical chemistry and involve physical phenomena such as (electro)magnetic fields and quantum effects. We therefore wish to go one step further and investigate alternative protein-protein interaction mechanisms and networks based on quantum physics concepts, such as entanglement, non-locality and tunneling. These could provide us with answers that cannot be given by the classical rules and lead to for instance a better understanding of higher brain functioning.

If you want to read more please click here or contact Xaveer Van Ostade (Xaveer.vanostade@uantwerpen.be).