The Laboratory of Molecular & Cellular Signaling and its mission in Wolfram Syndrome research
The Laboratory of Molecular & Cellular Signaling (LMCS; https://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/english/research/50000618/50753344), co-directed by Prof. Jan B. Parys & Prof. Geert Bultynck, is part of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at KU Leuven. The research team studies intracellular Ca2+ signals and Ca2+-controlled processes such as cell death and cellular bio-energetics in human cells. Furthermore, the team aspires to elucidate how these Ca2+ signals contribute to human health and to disease when such signals are disturbed. Hence, by targeting the function of intracellular Ca2+-transport system, we hope to develop novel strategies to tackle such disease states or reduce disease burden. The lab has focused on diseases associated with suppressed Ca2+ signaling, such as cancer, as well as with excessive Ca2+ signaling, such as acute pancreatitis. For its research activities, the lab collaborates with several teams at KU Leuven, in Belgium and around the globe. To foster research collaboration among its partners and to serve as a Ca2+-signaling hub for other researchers, the lab has established a research community “Ca2+ signaling in health, disease & therapy” supported by the Research Foundation – Flanders (CaSign; www.casign.org).
Very recently and thanks to a recently established research alliance with Dr. Kaasik (Tartu University, Estonia) supported by CELSA (Central Europe Leuven Strategic Alliance), LMCS has included Wolfram Syndrome within its strategic ambitions for future research programs. The team aims to develop novel strategies to tackle Wolfram syndrome by targeting the Ca2+-signaling machinery and restoring Ca2+ homeostasis in cells. In cell systems that serve as a model for Wolfram Syndrome, the team will explore the role of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in Ca2+-signaling dysregulation, since these proteins are key modulators of intracellular Ca2+-release channels perturbed in Wolfram Syndrome Type 1 and Type 2. Next, the team will exploit recently obtained insights in the interplay between Bcl-2-protein function and Ca2+ signaling to develop novel strategies to fight Ca2+-driven disease outcomes in Wolfram syndrome. In the (long-term) future with the help of several local partners at KU Leuven & its international network of collaborators (to whom we are very grateful), LMCS strives to translate their findings towards patient-derived cell models, such as fibroblasts and neuronal, eye, brain cell types differentiated from stem cells and to develop strategies to apply such tools in the eye or the brain. The team hopes to develop these research endeavors with the critical support from national funding agencies but also from foundations such as Eye Hope and SNOW Foundation.
Who is who in Wolfram research @ LMCS, KU Leuven
Geert Bultynck is a Professor & Principle Investigator at the Laboratory of Molecular & Cellular Signaling, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven. His research focuses on exploring & exploiting intra- and intercellular Ca2+ signaling in health, disease & therapy. He teaches Cell Physiology and Human Physiology. He will direct & supervise the research on Wolfram syndrome. When Geert is not doing research/teaching, you can find him on the badminton pitch, the stands of his favorite soccer team, at the hobbies of his 2 children or travelling with his wife & children.
Tim Vervliet is a postdoctoral researcher at the Laboratory of Molecular & Cellular Signaling. Tim is supported by a fellowship from the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO). His research focuses on the role of ryanodine receptor Ca2+ channels in cell function & disease, including neurodegenerative diseases. He teaches a work session on Ion Channels. He will perform research on Wolfram syndrome, but also supervise and train new students arriving in the lab. When Tim is not doing research, he is renovating his house, taking care of the vegetable garden or going out with his friends.
Rita La Rovere is a part-time technical expert at the Laboratory of Molecular & Cellular Signaling and helps out several PhD students & postdocs with their projects. Rita will provide technical support to the research on Wolfram syndrome. When Rita is not in the lab, you can find her most of the time at home, focusing on her daughters’ activities and the family needs. She also likes Italian cooking and spends time outside with her family.
Jens Loncke currently is a last year student in the Master of Biochemistry & Biotechnology. Jens will join the Laboratory of Molecular & Cellular Signaling in September 2019 for a 4-years PhD project aiming to study Ca2+ signaling and Bcl-2-protein function in Wolfram syndrome. We are grateful and excited that the Eye Hope Foundation recently decided to support Jens’ PhD project (1 year PhD salary). Further support for Jens and his project is sought from external sources, including the SNOW Foundation. When Jens is not studying/doing research, he enjoys listening to music at concerts or playing music himself. As an outdoors person, he enjoys hiking and practicing sports in open air.
Marth Briers currently is 3rd year Bachelor student in the Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Marth will join the Laboratory of Molecular & Cellular Signaling during the summer of 2019. To support her stay in the lab, she applied for a student internship grant from the Biochemical Society – UK. Marth will work on the biochemical link between CISD2 and Bcl-2 in Ca2+-signaling control. When Mart is not studying, you can find her on the tennis court, on the playground as a scouts guide or enjoying a drink with friends.