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Diether Lambrechts
Complex Genetics
VIB Vesalius Research Center, K.U.Leuven
Bio-Ir: Univ. of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, '99
PhD: Univ. of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, '03
Postdoc: Vesalius Research Center, Univ. of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, '03-'07
Postdoc: Wellcome Trust Center, Oxford, UK, '07
VIB Group leader since 2008 |
e-mail
phone +32 16 346 131
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Current team members
Group leader: Diether Lambrechts
Postdoctoral scientists: Hui Zhoa, Joke Reumers
Ph.D. Students: Bart Claes, Betül Yesilyurt, Diego Andrès Garcia Dios, Els Wauters, Ian Buysschaert, Joke Dhondt
Support personnel: Dominiek Smeets, Gilian Peuteman, Jacobine Kuijlaars, Sofie Van Soest
Keywords
neurodegeneration, VEGF, complex genetics, translational research
Science
Recently and unexpectedly, several molecules with angiogenic activity have been causally implicated in neurodegeneration, thus revealing an intriguing and very relevant connection between angiogenic factors and neurodegeneration. The first angiogenic factor implicated in neurodegeneration was VEGF. By applying a large number of gene-targeted and experimental animal model systems, we now aim to generate fundamental knowledge on the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and the role of ‘so-called’ angiogenic factors herein. More specifically, we intend to explore whether these angiogenic molecules influence neurodegeneration by acting on the neurovasculature, or rather by acting as pleiotrophic factors, modulating neuro-inflammatory responses and exerting protective effects on neurons. We will also carefully assess the therapeutic potential of these novel molecules in various neurodegenerative models (e.g. motor neuron degeneration and neuropathic models) and assess whether other well-established angiogenic factors play a previously unrecognized role in neurodegenerative disease.
In recent years, innovative technologies have been key in allowing the field of complex genetics to move rapidly forward, such that, nowadays, genetic studies are providing the basis for many of the major advances in biology and medicine. Indeed, a myriad of genetic and molecular modifications, such as single nucleotide variations (SNPs), epigenetic changes (e.g. DNA methylation) and non-coding RNAs (microRNA), are found to importantly regulate gene expression and to induce a variety of complex human traits and disease diversities. In the past, the Vesalius Research Centre (VRC) has significantly invested in animal model systems to perform functional genetic studies (zebrafish, tadpoles and mice). However, model organisms do not always reflect what really happens in human disease. We therefore aim to translate our animal genetic findings in humans by generating conclusive genetic evidence in human disease. By applying an opposite strategy, we also aim to identify novel and clinically-relevant disease genes, which will then be studied in our classical animal models to unravel the mechanisms by which these genes cause human disease, and also assess their therapeutic potential. To this extent, a number of collaborations have been initiated with clinicians in the University Hospital in Leuven, and large-scale DNA collections of patients included in clinical trials or databases are currently ongoing.
Press Releases:
See also press release (01/12/2008): First trial in patients with a potential treatment of the incurable ALS muscle disease.
Selected Publications
Lambrechts D, Buysschaert I, Zanen P, Coolen J, Lays N, Cuppens H, Groen H, Dewever W, Van Klaveren R, Verschakelen J, Wijmenga C, Postma D, Decramer M, Janssens W
The 15q24/25 susceptibility variant for lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with emphysema
AM J RESP CRIT CARE 181, 486-93, 2010
Buysschaert I, Carruthers K, Dunbar D, Peuteman G, Rietzschel E, Belmans A, Hedley A, De Meyer T, Budaj A, Van De Werf F, Lambrechts D, Fox K
A variant at chromosome 9p21 is associated with recurrent myocardial infarction and cardiac death after acute coronary syndrome: the GRACE Genetics Study
EUR HEART J 31, 1132-41, 2010
Buysschaert I, Grulois V, Eloy P, Jorissen M, Rombaux P, Bertrand B, Collet S, Bobic S, Vlaminck S, Hellings P, Lambrechts D
Genetic evidence for a role of IL33 in nasal polyposis
ALLERGY 65, 616-22, 2010
Delvaeye M, Noris M, De Vriese A, Esmon C, Esmon N, Ferrell G, Del-Favero J, Plaisance S, Claes B, Lambrechts D, Zoja C, Remuzzi G, Conway E
Thrombomodulin mutations in atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome
NEW ENGL J MED 361, 345-57, 2009
Buysschaert I, Schmidt T, Roncal C, Carmeliet P, Lambrechts D
Genetics, epigenetics and pharmaco-(epi)genomics in angiogenesis
J CELL MOL MED 12, 2533-51, 2008
Search Publications
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