Research Projects

Studies on the function of the mitogen-activated protein kinase MK5/PRAK

This project aims at defining the biological role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase activated protein kinase MAPKAPK-5 (MK5 or PRAK).

Studies on the polymorphism in the genome of polyomavirus BK: implications for cell tropism and the pathology

This project wants to isolate and characterise naturally occurring BKV variants. Knowledge on the naturally circulating BKV strains in patients may help us to define the possible implications of genome diversity with respect to cell tropism and pathogenicity, and may enable us to design successful therapeutic strategies.

Transcriptional activation of the cAMP response element-binding protein CREB

We want to study the mechanism for transcriptional activation of CREB and to identify the different signalling pathways that converge to CREB

Antiviral research

Our research has been focused on virus entry inhibition of HIV, Herpes simplex 1 & 2 and HCMV. Probably will the mechanism we have studied prevent other sexually transmitted disease (STD) agents like Chlamydia trachomatis, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Cationic proteins from milk (lactoferrin) and cationic peptides derived from milk, lactoferricin, have these properties of blocking virus entry into the cells. These mechanisms may be used in the future development of microbicides. Our methods have been in situ ELISA, plaque assay, hybridization and different kinds of amplifications of DNA methods like nested , SYBR green and probe real time PCR. Together with Professor Ugo Moens we are presently redefining our aims to strengthen a more molecular approach in our antiviral research.

Characterization of BKV agnoprotein and analysis of its function and regulation

Identifications of the function(s) and regulation of the viral protein, agnoprotein.