John-Paul Bogers full professor

Research John-Paul Bogers

Research team

Community engagement and novel technologies: a winning team for the integral management of cervical cancer in a rural context. 01/09/2022 - 31/08/2027

Abstract

In this project we want to tackle the problem of cervical cancer (CC) and its inequitable burden of disease in Ecuador, by designing and implementing a feasible strategy for screening and follow up in remote communities. The project combines 1) research aimed at improving and implementing screening facilities with 2) strategies to promote uptake of screening services and 3) a highly innovative component in the construction of a VIA-telemedicine and AI based tool for automatization of diagnosis of cervical abnormalities. Embedding the activities in existing local services and training female local health workers will lead to a sustainable strategy in which women are not only the main beneficiaries but, by their protagonist role in the project, drivers of change. The project builds on the good results we obtained in our SI project ending in August 2022.

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  • Research Project

IMARK. Network for image-based biomarker discovery and evaluation 01/01/2021 - 31/12/2026

Abstract

IMARK capitalizes on the deeply rooted expertise in biomedical imaging at the University of Antwerp to push the boundaries of precision medicine. By resolving molecular and structural patterns in space and time, IMARK aims at expediting biomarker discovery and development. To this end, it unites research groups with complementary knowledge and tools that cover all aspects of imaging-centred fundamental research, preclinical validation and clinical evaluation. IMARK harbours high-end infrastructure for electron and light microscopy, mass spectrometry imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography. Moreover, IMARK members actively develop correlative approaches that involve multiple imaging modalities to enrich information content, and conceive dedicated image analysis pipelines to obtain robust, quantitative readouts. This unique blend of technologies places IMARK in an excellent position as preferential partner for public-private collaborations and offers strategic advantage for expanding the flourishing IP portfolio. The major application fields of the consortium are neuroscience and oncology. With partners from the Antwerp University Hospital and University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, there is direct access to patient data/samples and potential for translational studies.

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Sustaining, deepening and expanding the Sub-Saharian HPV research network (WAKA-HPV Africa). 01/01/2018 - 31/08/2022

Abstract

Almost 90% of deaths from HPV-related invasive cervical cancer (ICC) worldwide occur in developing countries and ICC is a main cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, in SSA, we observe a significant lack of ICC knowledge among health care workers. Furthermore, academic ICC expertise is also completely missing, undermining any effort to strengthen the health care capacities. Local academic expertise is also vital for National policy makers and public opinion. In 2013, we established the WAKA network to train African based researchers till a post-doc level, to stimulate international South South collaboration and to support local laboratory facilities (www.wakahpvafrica.com). Several students from SSA are in a doctoral trajectory and the WAKA network gained significant recognition (i.e. WHO). This proposal wants to continue, deepen and expand this network until a level of self-sustainability.

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  • Research Project

SKiN-HUID 01/09/2016 - 31/08/2019

Abstract

This is an Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland project, so the project language is Dutch. This way, no English abstract is available. Kanker is één van de meest bedreigende ziekten van deze eeuw met jaarlijks wereldwijd 8 miljoen doden. De complexiteit van kanker maakt dat deze ziekte enkel succesvol behandeld kan worden door innovatie en vertaling van kennis naar nieuwe geneesmiddelen en behandelingsstrategieën. Onder leiding van Universiteit Maastricht streven Universiteit Antwerpen, VIB, Basic Pharma Technologies, and MosaMedix ernaar een antwoord te bieden op de specifieke uitdagingen van huidkanker. Dit consortium wordt financiëel ondersteund door het Interreg V programma van Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland en EFRO (Europees Fonds voor Regionale Ontwikkeling). SKiN-HUID is een grensoverschrijdend project dat een unieke behandeling van huidkanker ontwikkelt op basis van een Anx-A5 gebaseerd platform voor 'Target Drug Delivery'. Het omvat een gerichte toediening van medicijnen via elektrische of hyperthermische stimulatie die stress op de cellen zet. Voordelen van deze techniek zijn het efficiënt en doelgericht inkoppelen van toxische farmaceutische hoeveelheden, maar op basis van een verminderde dosis zodat algemene bijwerkingen beperkt blijven en de levenskwaliteit van de patiënt gehandhaafd blijft. De bedoeling is om deze technologie binnen 'SKiN-HUID' verder uit te spinnen tot een therapie, via preklinische en klinische validatie. Het VIB-labo van Prof. Chris Marine (KULeuven) voorziet hierin van wereldexpertise betreffende huidkanker en meer bepaald melanomas. Het labo waarvan Prof. John-Paul Bogers (UAntwerpen) deel uitmaakt, heeft een sleutelrol in biomedische microscopie en toxicologische analyse van proefdoermodellen. Tevens nemen zij een leidende rol op in het hyperthermie onderzoek. Met het labo van Prof. Chris Reutelingsperger (UMaastricht) heeft het project toegang tot unieke expertise en biochemische technologie over annexine. De Basic Pharma groep levert expertise en de faciliteiten voor de ontwikkeling van GMP productie en farmaceutische formuleringen, in samenwerking met MosaMedix, wat bijdraagt met zijn Annexine-technologie platform.

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  • Research Project

MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI): Bridging proteomics and imaging. 01/05/2016 - 30/04/2020

Abstract

The instrument acquired in this project is a matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer capable of mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). This technique is especially developed for the identification of biomolecules in a manner that retains cytological and histological patterning. This novel technical process, abbreviated to MALDI-MSI represents an interesting and extremely productive intersection between mass spectrometric and imaging platforms. Therefore, this grant is bridging 3 University of Antwerp CORE facilities (Center for Proteomics, Bio-Imaging lab and the Biomedical Microscopic Imaging Core). Using this MALDI-MSI platform, multiple research groups, brought together by a common interest in investigating molecular damage associated with aberrant aging mechanisms, will be able to identify a diverse range of small molecules (peptides and metabolites) as well as larger proteins directly on tissue slides, preserving the topological, histological and cytological data. This is not possible with routine proteomics and metabolomics technologies nor with advanced imaging techniques.

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    Strengthening the (Sub-Saharan) HPV research network within the African region (WAKA-HPV) taking VLIR-UOS collaborations and the SMU HPV reference centre as a step stone. 01/09/2015 - 31/12/2016

    Abstract

    This project builds upon a successful previous NSS project. The project aims to standardize and focus all HPV related research projects funded through VLIR-UOS in the African region and to look for synergy with HPV projects from other funders and industry. A platform website will share Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), GCP, standardized survey protocols,… This North South South proposal wants to continue and strengthen the linkage between the interested researchers and participating VLIR-UOS collaborations.

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    High throughput microscopy. 01/06/2015 - 31/12/2016

    Abstract

    In the framework of this project, a method will be established for automated and standardized microscopic evaluation of large numbers of biological samples. Protocols will be tailored for histological tissue preparations and for cell cultures. To this end, a combination of optics, robotics and bio-image informatics will be used.

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    Phase II partner programme (2015-2019) for the Institutional University Cooperation between the University of Limpopo and the Flemish universities. 01/04/2015 - 31/12/2019

    Abstract

    This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VLIR. UA provides VLIR research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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    Targeted drug delivery for cancer treatment, in-vitro proof of principle for malignant melanoma. 01/01/2015 - 30/06/2016

    Abstract

    The PoC project validates the proposed target drug delivery mechanism for malignant melanoma and foresees in-vitro tests for the validation and verification of the different steps in the drug delivery mechanism. The project objective is the definition of an in vitro validated protocol for the complete chain of the drug delivery mechanism for malignant melanoma.

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    Appui scientifique pour la realization du project interdisciplinaire/interuniversitaire en santé maternelle à Unikin et à Unilub 01/12/2014 - 30/11/2018

    Abstract

    This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VLIR. UA provides VLIR research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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      • Research Project

      Set up of HPV reference centre and establishment of HPV research network within the African. 13/12/2013 - 31/05/2015

      Abstract

      HPV is the main, almost unique cause of cervix carcinoma in adult women. Unfortunately, currently, many African countries lack comprehensive data on the circulating HPV types and Africa may harbor a variety of unexplored circulating HPV types which are uniquely distributed in various cancers and benign lesions. This NSS initiative will establish a HPV research network between several VLIR partners of whom some are already conducting HPV and/or cervix carcinoma research with own VLIR-UOS funding.

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      Electrical excitation in cancer therapy for the reduction of undesired side-effects (ELEKTRON). 16/09/2013 - 15/01/2015

      Abstract

      This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Universiteit Maastricht. UA provides de Universiteit Maastricht RC research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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      Evidence-based medicine in cancer prevention at the University of Antwerp. 01/10/2012 - 30/09/2014

      Abstract

      The goal of this project would be the creation of a workgroup which would 1) investigate the knowledge and expertise which is already available within the University of Antwerp (faculty of medicine) regarding evidence-based medicine and systematic reviews/meta-analyses/Cochrane reviews; 2) training and support of candidate systematic reviewers in the field of cancer prevention; 3) to collaborate in the Cochrane review group and 4) to develop and promote activities of evidence-based cancer prevention throughout the University which could result, in the future, in the creation of the Cochrane field on cancer prevention.

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      • Research Project

      Role of human papillomavirus infection and other co-factors in the aetiology of head and neck cancer in India and Europe (HPV-AHEAD). 01/09/2011 - 31/08/2015

      Abstract

      Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for approximately 25% of head and neck cancer (HNC) worldwide and appears to be associated with a better response to treatment and improved prognosis. Evidence suggests that HPV-induced HNC has steadily increased in the USA and some European countries in the last decades. However, whether this is a worldwide phenomenon and specific risk factors are associated with it remains to be proven. In addition, little is known on the natural history and risk factors of oral HPV infection. HPV-AHEAD network aims to address these and other unanswered questions on HNC etiology and epidemiology with a focus on the role of HPV.

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      Development of uPA probes as tools for imaging and diagnostic applications. 01/05/2011 - 30/04/2013

      Abstract

      The aim of this project is to further develop uPA probes, of which we already showed the efficacy in in vitro studies, to be used in cellular and in vivo. The IP of these innovative probes have recently been submitted to the UA interface for patenting. The first step in the valorisation of the probes is to obtain proof of concept in in vivo disease models. In the subsequent phase these results will permit us to obtain further funding from larger public (Fournier-Majoie, IWT) or private (VC) institutions. Our goal is to proceed with spinning-out this te chnology into a company preferentially within 3 years.

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      CLCI - High end infrastructure for confocal live cell imaging. 22/07/2010 - 28/04/2015

      Abstract

      This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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      • Research Project

      Euroregional Platform for Advancing Cancer Treatment II 01/04/2009 - 01/04/2012

      Abstract

      This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Interreg. UA provides Interreg research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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      Human papillomavirus infection: interaction with viral internalisation and processing. 01/11/2008 - 31/10/2009

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      Influence of RNA-interference on cervical carcinoma cells: stimulation of senescence or apoptosis. 01/10/2008 - 30/09/2010

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      • Research Project

      Role of eNOS uncoupling in heart failure. 12/03/2008 - 31/12/2009

      Abstract

      The last years, eNOS-uncoupling became an important new concept in the cardiopathogenesis of myocardial infarction and endothelial dysfunction. Recently, dr. Moens published in two independent Circulation papers the possibility to prevent and reverse eNOS-uncoupling. In this project, the molecular mechanisms of eNOS-uncoupling will be further explored. In addition, the translation will be made to other cardiovascular disorders in which there is evidence of increased oxidative stress as chemotherapy-induced heart failure ind ischemic cardiomyopathy.

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      Influence of RNA-interference on cervical carcinoma cells: stimulation of senescence or apoptosis. 01/10/2006 - 30/09/2008

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      • Research Project

      Estimation of effectiveness of cervical cancer screening and management of screen-positive women using a population-based case-control study integrated in the Limburg Cancer and Cervical Cytology Registers. 01/04/2006 - 31/03/2009

      Abstract

      In Belgium, in spite of substantial resources, spent in cytological screening, cervical cancer still is a considerable public health problem. The efficacy of screening and the reasons of screening failure are unknown. Population and registry-based case-control studies allow estimating unbiased relative risks of cancer linked with a series of factors. This study aims to assess in 120 women with cervical cancer and in 360 matched controls the following factors: screening history, accuracy of cytological screening, verified by re-screening of retrieved Pap smears of previously screened women, and the follow-up of screen-positive women. Moreover, HPV DNA detection using ultra-sensitive SPF10 PCR and genotyping, applied on archival smears, will provide estimates of the potential reduction in cervical cancer incidence that can be expected from virological screening or future HPV vaccination. The study will take place in Limburg, because of the existence of the LIKAR cancer register, which is linked with a relatively complete cytology register, set up by a network of laboratories.

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      Internalisation and intracellular transport of HPV in the human cell: study of a functional siRNA knock-out model. 01/01/2006 - 31/12/2007

      Abstract

      HPV is fundamentally important in the carcinogenesis of cervical carcinoma. The initial mechanism of HPV-infection via binding on the cell surface, internalization and cytoplasmic transport has not been entirely elucidated. This study aims to clarify the contradictions concerning the exact endocytosis mechanism of HPVs through an epsin-negative cell line and will investigate the intracellular processing of the virus.

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      Followed-up of women treated for cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia: prediction of outcomes using HPV DNA testing and molecular markers. 01/01/2006 - 31/12/2006

      Abstract

      The project concerns follow-up after local surgical treatment for high-grade cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse. The hypotheses are, that persistence/clearance of HPV DNA in cervical cellular material is an early prognostic marker for cure or relapse after treatment for CIN2+. It allows to shorten follow-up time compared to cytology - colposcopy. Type specific HPV persistence is as sensitive, but more specific than simple presence of HR-HPV DNA determined without type distinction. This can be further detailed by including viral load and a series of molecular progression or proliferation markers. In a case-control design 200 patients will be followed after treatment during 24 months. At several intervals tests will be performed, including new techniques, which may lead to improvement of patient management after treatment.

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      Influence of RNA interference on cervical cancer : stimulation of senescence and apoptosis. 01/10/2005 - 31/12/2007

      Abstract

      Persistent infection with a high-risk human papillomavirus type (HR-HPV) is a necessary factor in the development of cervical carcinoma. The most important oncoproteins E6 and E7 interfere at crucial points of the cell-cycle. In the present study the technique of RNA interference will be used to reduce the concentration of these 2 oncoproteins. Follow-up of the functional effects will be performed with quantitative and morphological techniques.

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      Management of low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) in HIV positive patients : effectiveness of cryotherapy and predictors for progression. 01/01/2004 - 31/12/2007

      Abstract

      Study objectives : a) To assess if cryotherapy is more effective* than regular fo\low-up for the management of LSIL in HIV+ women b) I o assess if this effect is different in HIV + than and HIV negative women c) To measure the effect of HIV and HP V (types, shedding, insertion) on regression, persistence and progression of LSIL d) I o measure the effect of cryotherapy on HP V shedding and insertion and on HIV shedding

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      Expression of genes involved in inflammation and fibrosis in protocolbiopsies of renal allografts. A study of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of chronic allograft nephropathy. 01/01/2004 - 31/12/2007

      Abstract

      In a prospective, randomized study in de novo kidney transplant recipients, we will compare the influence of a combination therapy with prednisolone, mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclosporine with a combination therapy with prednisolone, mycophenolate mofetil, and rapamycine, on the expression of genes, associated with inflammation and fibrosis in protocol biopsies of the graft, six months after transplantation. Glomeruli, tubulo-epithelial cells and interstitial cells will be isolated by means of the laser capture microscope. After RNA-extraction, we will perform semiquantitative RT amplification with Taqman PCR for the genes of interest: i.e. IL 10, IL 12, TNF alpha, B7-1, B7-RP1, CD40, CXCR3, CCR5, perforine, granzyme, angiotensine II, TGF-ß1, PAI-1, TIMP-1, and endotheline.

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      The role of molecular markers in the diagnosis of cervical dysplasia. 01/05/2003 - 30/04/2005

      Abstract

      There is an ongoing evolution to optimise of the primary screening of cervical cancer. Cytology is a labour-intensive method, requiring much expertise and training to reduce interpretative problems to a minimum. Specificity and sensitivity are not optimal. HPV DNA testing is to date to expensive and aspecific to apply in primary screening. Molecular markers are a more specific and physiopathologically interesting alternative.

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      • Research Project