Research Xaveer Van Ostade

Abstract

Dengue incidence is increasing worldwide, and the severity of disease appears to be worsening. In 2022 Cuba suffered one of the largest and difficult dengue outbreaks in recent years, with a considerable part of the population infected and many presented life-threatening complications. In a previous VLIR-SI project a questionnaire was generated and validated for studying how habits, life styles and environmental factors affect the clinical evolution of viral diseases in the Cuban population. Its application to dengue and COVID-19 Cuban patients allowed us to identify a significant association of a group of poor nutritional/life style habits variables with the development of severe disease, thus having proof that nutrition can have a marked influence on dengue disease outcome in Cuba. Keeping in mind this information we wanted to make use of a previous clinical study that showed a protective effect on COVID-19 disease outcome of an anti-inflammatory/anti oxidant Cuban herbal medicine extracted from Curcuma longa. We therefore wish to continue the previous VLIR-SI project by identifying molecular proteomic and epigenetic alterations in dengue host blood cells that result from the use of the Curcuma longa extract in dengue infected and non-infected individuals, thus contributing to the use and application of alternative medicine in Cuba. To accomplish this, the research and educational capacity of two Cuban medical/scientific centers will be strengthened by providing them knowledge and practical skills for state-of-the-art (OMICs) technologies that are indispensable for the abovementioned study. For this, several trainings will be organized in Belgium for researchers and students from the Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kouri (IPK) Cuban National Reference Center of infectious Diseases (Havana), and the Faculty of Medical Sciences Ernesto Che Guevara de la Serna (Pinar del Río). In addition, several seminars and courses on OMICS topics will be given in Cuba.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

• Proteinscience, proteomics and epigenetic signaling (PPES)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Despite the presence of a sound expertise, structural biology is currently not well-embedded within the University of Antwerp. Hence, UAntwerp researchers are dependent on collaborations with external partners to be productive and competitive in this field. Structural biology at UAntwerp will only successfully come of age by investing in the acquisition of basic infrastructure that will adequately support the existing expertise. In this project proposal, funding is requested for the purchase of the Mosquito Xtal3, a state-of-the-art crystallization robot that has become an indispensable workhorse in any structural biology laboratory. The Mosquito Xtal3 allows fast, robust and high-throughput crystallization of biological macromolecules, which is a basic requirement for structure determination through macromolecular X-ray crystallography.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Meester Ingrid
• Co-promoter: Cappoen Davie
• Co-promoter: De Winter Hans
• Co-promoter: Sterckx Yann
• Co-promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

• Medical Biochemistry

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Arboviruses such as dengue (DENV) and zika (ZIKV) viruses are a major concern in tropical and subtropical countries such as Cuba where the arthropod vector Aedes is widespread. They are also of increasing interest in other regions (Europe, US…) as climate change and globalization extend the dispersion of the vector and viruses. Re-markably, humans respond very differently to these viruses, from absence of symptoms to hemorrhagic fever (DENV) and neonatal malformations/neurological disorders (ZIKV). Belgian and Cuban scientists will collaborate on the identification of study populations, based on an expected difference in susceptibilities of Cuban population groups inhabiting different provinces and exposed to different diets and natural (medical) products or toxins, and define factors estimated to influence infection evolution. Cuban scientists from the IPK (Havana) or UO (Santiago de Cuba) will learn state-of-the-art epigenetics/proteomics techniques in Belgium and will further disseminate theses in Cuba by means of courses/seminars organized by them or in collaboration with the Belgian partners.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

• Proteinscience, proteomics and epigenetic signaling (PPES)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Physical and functional interactions between biomolecules play pivotal roles in all aspects of human health and disease. Gaining a greater understanding of these biomolecular interactions will further expand our understanding of diseases such as cancer, metabolic diseases and neurodegeneration. At UAntwerp, 7 research groups have joined forces to obtain the absolutely necessary equipment to measure these interactions with a Biomolecular Interactions Platform (BIP). This will allow to detect interactions and precisely determine binding affinities between any kind of molecule, from ions and small molecules to high-molecular weight and multi-protein complexes. The BIP will also allow to identify collateral off- targets, crucial in the drug discovery field. Access to a BIP will strongly support ongoing research projects and bring research within the BIP-consortium to a higher level. Since biomolecular interactions are highly influenced by the methodology, it is recommended to measure the interaction by several, independent techniques and continue with the most appropriate one. For this reason, the consortium aims at installing a BIP, consisting of several complementary instruments that each measure biomolecular interactions based on different physical principles. They wish to expand the existing Isothermal Titration Calorimetry with two complementary state-of-the- art techniques: MicroScale Thermophoresis and Grating- Coupled waveguide Interferometry.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Meester Ingrid
• Co-promoter: Delputte Peter
• Co-promoter: De Wael Karolien
• Co-promoter: Dewilde Sylvia
• Co-promoter: De Winter Hans
• Co-promoter: Kooy Frank
• Co-promoter: Lambeir Anne-Marie
• Co-promoter: Maudsley Stuart
• Co-promoter: Van Der Veken Pieter
• Co-promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

• Medical Biochemistry

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains a significant problem worldwide, in Belgium, yearly over 200 women die from this disease. Almost all cervical cancer cases are caused by an infection with high-risk (hr) types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Traditional screening programs based on cervical smear taking (pap smear) detecting abnormal cells face numerous limitations, urging the need for alternative screening approaches. Detection of hrHPV DNA instead of abnormal cervical cells has proven more sensitive in detecting cervical cancer cases, however, it lacks clinical specificity, i.e. the ability to detect solely those women who require follow-up or immediate referral for colposcopy. Therefore, the major objective of this study is to analyse candidate biomarkers for diagnosis of cervical (pre)cancer and disease monitoring in home-collected first-void (FV) urine samples, followed by translation of the presence of (1) hrHPV DNA and (2) these biomarkers into a novel screening algorithm for cervical cancer. Hereto, we will conduct two clinical trial studies, where women (=30 years) diagnosed with an abnormal pap smear will be asked to provide a FV morning urine sample. In the first study, we aim to identify accurate biomarkers for respectively low-, and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. In a second study, multiple samples will be collected over time (longitudinal sample collection) to identify biomarkers that can predict pro- or regression of HPV infection/precancerous lesions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Damme Pierre
• Co-promoter: Tjalma Wiebren
• Co-promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer
• Fellow: Van Keer Severien

Research team(s)

• Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination (CEV)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

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.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Maudsley Stuart
• Co-promoter: Baggerman Geert
• Co-promoter: Blust Ronny
• Co-promoter: Bogers John-Paul
• Co-promoter: Dewilde Sylvia
• Co-promoter: Husson Steven
• Co-promoter: Laukens Kris
• Co-promoter: Lemière Filip
• Co-promoter: Mertens Inge
• Co-promoter: Sobott Frank
• Co-promoter: Valkenborg Dirk
• Co-promoter: Van Der Linden Annemie
• Co-promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Advantages of urine as clinical sample – non-invasive, through self-collection, and at-home collection – are well accepted. However, the use of (first-void) urine as source of biomarkers for diseases of the urinary genital track is much less explored. This project will demonstrate the value of (first-void) urine as liquid biopsy for diagnosis of cervical (pre)cancer lesions, determining progression of HPV infection, and defining immunity towards HPV infection.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Damme Pierre
• Co-promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains a significant problem worldwide, in Belgium, yearly over 200 women die from this disease. Almost all cervical cancer cases are caused by an infection with high-risk (hr) types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Traditional screening programs based on cervical smear taking (pap smear) detecting abnormal cells face numerous limitations, urging the need for alternative screening approaches. Detection of hrHPV DNA instead of abnormal cervical cells has proven more sensitive in detecting cervical cancer cases, however, it lacks clinical specificity, i.e. the ability to detect solely those women who require follow-up or immediate referral for colposcopy. Therefore, the major objective of this study is to analyse candidate biomarkers for diagnosis of cervical (pre)cancer and disease monitoring in home-collected first-void (FV) urine samples, followed by translation of the presence of (1) hrHPV DNA and (2) these biomarkers into a novel screening algorithm for cervical cancer. Hereto, we will conduct two clinical trial studies, where women (=30 years) diagnosed with an abnormal pap smear will be asked to provide a FV morning urine sample. In the first study, we aim to identify accurate biomarkers for respectively low-, and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. In a second study, multiple samples will be collected over time (longitudinal sample collection) to identify biomarkers that can predict pro- or regression of HPV infection/precancerous lesions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Damme Pierre
• Co-promoter: Tjalma Wiebren
• Co-promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer
• Fellow: Van Keer Severien

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, the production of mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) by Pseudozyma aphidis will be studied, with a specific focus on the production from cheap waste and side streams and an ecological purification. Hereby we seek to make the multifunctional, ecological but expensive biosurfactants to be economical more viable. To realize this project, genetic knockout mutants, affinity chromatography and fermentative test will be used.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer
• Co-promoter: D'aes Jolien
• Fellow: Verstraete Ruben

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

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

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vanden Berghe Wim
• Co-promoter: Kooy Frank
• Co-promoter: Lardon Filip
• Co-promoter: Pauwels Patrick
• Co-promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project aims to dig deeper into the molecular mechanisms involved in the induction of mannosylerythritol lipids (MEL) synthesis, with a specific focus on the study of the relationship between the morphological switch of P. aphidis and the MEL production. To achieve our goal, this project will mainly make use of genetic knockout constructs, differential proteome analysis, which are validated by RT-qPCR and fermentative test.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer
• Co-promoter: D'aes Jolien
• Fellow: Verstraete Ruben

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Drug resistance is well known in chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapy, where multidrug-resistant lymphoid cancers defy the most powerful chemotherapeutics available. In this respect, there is a renewed interest in multifocal anti-cancer compounds which simultaneously inhibit multiple signal transduction/survival pathways. We have identified Withaferin A (WA) as a very effective anti-cancer compound, which chemosensitizes various therapy resistant cancers, by binding molecules from different survival pathways. Hence, there is an essential need for investigations that can 1) provide a global view of cellular targets of WA and 2) select from this pool those interactions that are responsible for the anticancer effect. Such studies can lead to faster optimization of WA treatment, understanding of off-target side effects and the ability to minimize possible toxicities early on in the process. In this proposal, WA-specific binding proteins responsible for anti-cancer effects of WA will be determined in the JVM2 CLL cell model or primary CD19+ enriched PBMC samples from CLL patients and healthy donors by applying affinity based SILAC and iTRAQ proteomic methods using biotinylated WA (active compound) or biotinylated WN (inactive WA analogue). The established WA-specific protein network will be combined with gene expression array datasets, by applying systems biology bioinformatic approaches (IPA, Nextbio, GO, KEGG, STRING, GProfile, Cytoscape). Key target proteins of WA, involved in its anti-cancer effects will be validated in affinity pull down and silencing studies in JVM2 CLLs, and CD19+ enriched PBMC samples from healthy donors or CLL patients.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vanden Berghe Wim
• Co-promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research contract awarded by the University of Antwerp. The supervisor provides the Antwerp University research mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions stipulated by the university.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer
• Fellow: Dom Martin

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (mostly by "high risk" HPV-types 16, 18, 31, 45 en 58) and is worldwide the second most frequent cancer among females. Screening (using the classical "Papanicolaou smear") is based on the detection of morphological changes but is characterized by a low sensitivity. Therefore, the aim of this PhD project will be the identification of biomarkers using cervical vaginal fluid (CVF), by means of proteome analytical techniques, to detect premalignant cervical lesions. Due to the complex composition of the CVF, samples (lavages or swabs) will be separate by using multi-dimensional chromatography and will be characterized by the application of differential mass spectrometry.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer
• Fellow: Van Raemdonck Geert

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project has two general objectives: (1) Increase the research potential of the UA by introduction of new state of the art techniques for the analysis of fragile molecular structures by using the novel ion mobility capabilities that have recently been integrated with high-mass high-resolution Q-TOF mass spetrometry ("Synapt", waters). (2) Maintain the current capacity to obtain Q-TOF data by replacing an existing system.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Sobott Frank
• Co-promoter: Guisez Yves
• Co-promoter: Lemière Filip
• Co-promoter: Maes Bert
• Co-promoter: Moens Luc
• Co-promoter: Tavernier Serge
• Co-promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer
• Co-promoter: Van Schil Paul
• Co-promoter: Wijnants Marc
• Co-promoter: Witters Erwin

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Therapy resistant metastatic tumors with a bad prognosis typically demonstrate a strong inflammatory gene expression profile and severe hypoxic and hypoglycemic growth conditions.In macrophages and different tumor cell types, we want to characterize combined effects of hypoxia and inflammation on NFkB-, Stat3- and HIF-dependent signaling pathways resulting in epigenetic programming of cancer cells by PML, Jmjd3, LSD1 and SIRT chromatin-associated factors

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vanden Berghe Wim
• Co-promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (mostly by "high risk" HPV-types 16, 18, 31, 45 en 58) and is worldwide the second most frequent cancer among females. Screening (using the classical "Papanicolaou smear") is based on the detection of morphological changes but is characterized by a low sensitivity. Therefore, the aim of this PhD project will be the identification of biomarkers using cervical vaginal fluid (CVF), by means of proteome analytical techniques, to detect premalignant cervical lesions. Due to the complex composition of the CVF, samples (lavages or swabs) will be separate by using multi-dimensional chromatography and will be characterized by the application of differential mass spectrometry.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer
• Fellow: Van Raemdonck Geert

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Business Opportunity ReGenesys BVBA is an early stage biotechnology company based in Heverlee (Leuven), Belgium. ReGenesys is a wholly owned subsidiary of Athersys, Inc, a publically traded US based biotechnology company. ReGenesys was established as a research unit for development of new stem cell isolation and expansion technologies, and to support cell therapy clinical studies in Europe. Athersys has developed a stem cell therapeutics platform and is in Phase I clinical testing for use of the cells in treatment of acute myocardial infarct, ischemic stroke, and as an adjunct in allogeneic bone marrow transplant. It is our desire to globally commercialize an adherent adult stem cell product produced using animal product-free conditions. While addressing the important aspect of patient safety, this achievement would also establish an important competitive regulatory threshold for our product. Our requirements are to identify and clinically manufacture cell products using serum-free media prior to initiating pivotal Phase III clinical studies. Our current target for development and testing of a serum-free media formulation is early 2012, based on progress in our ongoing clinical trials. We have developed a human stem cell platform (MultiStem®) that has been approved by the FDA for use in phase I clinical trials. This platform is based on the discovery of a rare cell type (Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells; MAPC) by Catherine Verfaillie and co-workers that was subsequently patented (US Patent 7,015,037 B1) and then licensed by Athersys. MultiStem® is an adherent stem cell derived from bone marrow that has developmental potential greater than the limited mesenchymal lineage capacity of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). MultiStem® thus constitutes the large-scale expanded form of human MAPC. ReGenesys is currently expanding manufacturing and clinical development in Europe. Our current understanding is that we will need to modify our platform towards animal product-free manufacturing for reasons of safety and traceability (EC directive 04 May 2005). Serum and other compounds of animal origin vary from batch to batch despite the enormous care that is taken during their isolation and production, and may carry adventitious pathogens. Rationale Stem cell biology is still in an early phase of development. For instance, the insight in the behaviour of rare adult stem cells during culture is poor. Pluripotent stem cells are defined as exhibiting differentiation towards cells of each primitive germ layer; mesoderm, ectoderm, and endoderm. The mitogenic stimulation required to expand these populations also results in maturation of their developmental profile, and indeed, long term cultures are difficult to maintain and are frequently primarily composed of cells showing only mesodermal differentiation potential. Moreover, stable cultures only seem possible if cell density is kept under a certain 'trigger' value, different for every species MAPC have been isolated from. This implies that the developmental profile of these cells is regulated by depletion of key media components, by accumulation of metabolites, paracrine factors or combinations of these. A proteomics approach would be most suitable to address this complicated analysis. But, the use of foetal bovine serum (FBS) in (stem) cell media formulations complicates proteomic analysis due to high levels of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and other proteins (e.g. immunoglobulins). The interpretation of screening results could also be hampered due to variability in serum lots. However, a significant practical impediment to a proteomic screening strategy is exactly the lack of a chemically defined medium for our cells. The fundamental proteomic biology of these cells cannot be studied in the absence of media formulation enabling analysis of key components.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research contract awarded by the University of Antwerp. The supervisor provides the Antwerp University research mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions stipulated by the university.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Guisez Yves
• Co-promoter: Lambeir Anne-Marie
• Co-promoter: Lemière Filip
• Co-promoter: Maes Bert
• Co-promoter: Maes Louis
• Co-promoter: Moens Luc
• Co-promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

• Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

We wish to unravel the mechanisms underlying the in vivo HIV-resistance, as observed in Exposed SeroNegative individuals (ESNs). We therefore will compare by differential proteomics the CD4+ T-cell proteomes from ESN individuals with the proteomes from healthy controles in order to identify new proteins, involved in in vivo HIV resistance. In addition, the expression level of known HIV-resistance proteins in ESNs will be measured by Western blot analysis.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer
• Fellow: Mous Kim

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

We wish to study the mechanism underlying the in vivo HIV resistance as observed in Exposed SeroNegative individuals (ESNs). Vaginal washes from ESNs will be analysed by differential proteomics in order to detect antimicrobial peptides, or combinations thereoff, that are efficient in in vivo anti-HIV activity in the vagina. In addition, this work will result in a map containing the different proteins and peptides that are present in the vagina, providing a basis for the discovery of biomarkers corresponding with a specific disease state in the female genital tract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer
• Fellow: Zegels Geert

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

We plan to analyse the composition and dynamics of Promyelocytic Leukemia protein-Nuclear Bodies (PML-NBs), during infection with VSV or HIV virus by using the Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP) methodology. In addition we wish to develop a method for identification of partner proteins that circumvents the disadvantages of existing techniques and that could be applied to PML-NBs.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer
• Fellow: Van Damme Ellen

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

We wish to unravel the mechanisms underlying the in vivo HIV-resistance, as observed in Exposed SeroNegative individuals (ESNs). We therefore will compare by differential proteomics the CD4+ T-cell proteomes from ESN individuals with the proteomes from healthy controles in order to identify new proteins, involved in in vivo HIV resistance. In addition, the expression level of known HIV-resistance proteins in ESNs will be measured by Western blot analysis.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer
• Fellow: Mous Kim

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

We wish to study the mechanism underlying the in vivo HIV resistance as observed in Exposed SeroNegative individuals (ESNs). Vaginal washes from ESNs will be analysed by differential proteomics in order to detect antimicrobial peptides, or combinations thereoff, that are efficient in in vivo anti-HIV activity in the vagina. In addition, this work will result in a map containing the different proteins and peptides that are present in the vagina, providing a basis for the discovery of biomarkers corresponding with a specific disease state in the female genital tract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer
• Fellow: Zegels Geert

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

GENERAL AIM To identify and characterise biological factors that mediate protection against HIV infection among African ESN subjects. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES I. To longitudinally study frequency and function of HIV-specific T cells in ESN subjects and controls; II. To determine KIR/HLA genotype combinations in ESN subjects and controls; III. To analyse intrinsic anti-HIV factors, and in particular TRIM5alpha, TRIM19, and APOBEC3G/F, in CD4+ cells from ESN subjects and controls.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

We plan to analyse the composition and dynamics of Promyelocytic Leukemia protein-Nuclear Bodies (PML-NBs), during infection with VSV or HIV virus by using the Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP) methodology. In addition we wish to develop a method for identification of partner proteins that circumvents the disadvantages of existing techniques and that could be applied to PML-NBs.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer
• Fellow: Van Damme Ellen

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer
• Fellow: Mous Kim

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Promyelocytic Nuclear Bodies (PML-NBs) are nuclear multiprotein complexes which play a prominent role in cellular antiviral defence. We wish to investigate the dynamics of PML-NBs during viral infection, by using the interferon-induced PML-NB proteins PML, PA28 and ISG20. This involves application of the 'Tandem Affinity Purification' (TAP) methodology and the try-out of a new strategy, based on intracellular modification of partner proteins.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dewilde Sylvia
• Promoter: Moens Luc
• Promoter: Vanden Berghe Wim
• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

• Proteinscience, proteomics and epigenetic signaling (PPES)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Promyelocytic Leukemia Nuclear Bodies are multi-protein complexes that are localised in the nucleus and fulfill a crucial role in cellular processes such as cell cycle regulation, transcription and apoptosis. Several lines of evidence, such as the relocalisation of PML-NB proteins following viral infection, point to the involvement of PML-NBs in antiviral resistance. We wish to investigate the protein dynamics within the PML-NBs by determining the PML-NB protein content in non-infected vs. HIV- or VSV-infected cells. Protein-protein interactions will be analysed by affinity purification of the PML-NB complex, followed by separation of the different components by 1D- or 2D-gel electrophoresis and identification of differential bands/spots by mass spectrometry. Binary protein-protein interactions will be confirmed and further analysed with the yeast-two-hybrid system.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer
• Fellow: Willemoens Tineke

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

We aim to dissect the molecular mechanism of interferon antiviral activity agains a panel of virusses by the use of two complementary strategies. First, we will systematically use two-hybrid techniques whereby association between known interferon-induced and viral proteins will be examined in an analytical way. Secondly, interferon-induced or viral proteins will be tagged, allowing for co-immunoprecipitation of the protein complexes, separation on one- or two-dimensional gels and identification of the individual proteins by mass spectrometry.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Ostade Xaveer

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project