Research group of
Functional Genomics and Proteomics
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- 9 postdocs
- 11 PhD students
- 1 IOF manager
- 4 technicians
http://bio.kuleuven.be
/df/ls/people
Research group of
Functional Genomics and Proteomics
Neuropeptides, neuronal communication and neuroplasticity
Big ideas from small brains
L
L
Neuropeptides
are
key
regulators
of
animal
physiology
and
behaviour
through activation of GPCRs.
Main research topics:
• Learning, memory,
and ageing
• Cancer
• Feeding behavior
• Reproduction
• Sleeping disease
Human brain
~100 billion
neurons
Caenorhabditis elegans
302 neurons
Conserved mechanisms:
reproduction, locomotion,
learning, digestion, ageing…
Characterization of novel neuropeptide-mediated signaling
systems in C. elegans
Screening for GPCR ligand
Expression analysis
Neuropeptides are key regulators of animal
physiology (feeding, reproduction) through
binding of GPCRs.
Behavioral assays
C. elegans:
neurobiological model
e.g. locomotion
RNAi knockdown
Contact: Isabel.beets@bio.kuleuven.be
Understanding experience-based learning behaviour: The
unraveling of neuronal circuits by innovative optogenetic tools.
Caenorhabditis elegans advantages:
302 neuronen,
toolbox for genetic manipulations
thousands of mutant strains available
The locomotive behaviour of the worm can be
manipulated by light by making transgene worms in
which specific neurons express light-sensitive ion
channels, Channelrhodopsine-2 (ChR2, depolarisation,
activation) and Halorhodopsine.
Photoactivation of defined neurons
in the head let the worms crawl in
the shape of a triangle
Image modified from Stirman et al.
(2011) Nature Methods 8: 153-158
Aim: can we control learning behaviour using optogenetics?
A forward mutagenesis screen to study the neuroendocrine
regulatory system of reproduction in C. elegans
GFP expression in intestine
Mutagenesis
Fluorescent
worms
Non fluorescent
worms
(vit-2::GFP)
COPAS worm sorter
Gene mapping
OR
Whole genome sequencing
E.g. egg-laying defect
Defects with
respect to
reproduction
Target phenotyping
Proteomics and peptidomics of long-lived C. elegans
Many life-extending interventions available in C. elegans
→ insulin pathway mutations, dietary restriction,…
Studying long-lived worms to help us combat aging-associated diseases
→ interventions that increase lifespan also decrease incidence of cancer,
neurodegenerative diseases,…
Techniques
Peptidomics
Differential labeling of peptides
Liquid chromatography
Mass spectrometry
How do the endocrine
systems influence aging?
Proteomics
Gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE)
Mass spectrometry
What are the effectors
that control aging?
Contact: Wouter.dehaes@bio.kuleuven.be
GnRHR achtige receptoren bij C. elegans:
Reproductie of energiehuishouding?
VERTEBRATEN
INSECTEN
Receptor wordt geactiveerd
door het gonadotropinreleasing hormoon (GnRH) dat
de reproductie reguleert.
C. elegans
Waar komen deze genen tot
expressie?
GFP-lokalisatie, PCR,
microscopie
Receptor wordt geactiveerd
door adipokinetisch hormoon
(AKH)
dat de energiehuishouding
reguleert.
8 homologen: gnrr-1 tot gnrr8 is de invloed van een
Wat
Wat zijn de liganden?
deletie in deze genen:
‘ontwezen receptoren’,
fenotypering, microscopie, celculturen, high-throuput
microfluidica
screenen
CONTACT:
Lotte.frooninckx@bio.kuleuven.be
Research group of Functional Genomics and Proteomics
Neuropeptide hormones and their receptors: a
suitable target to combat tsetse flies?
Tsetse flies: vectors for parasites that cause sleeping disease in human and nagana in cattle.
There is an urgent call for the development of new species-specific insecticides.
G protein-coupled receptors are promising targets
for the development of insecticides based
on peptidomimetica.
The tsetse fly genome has been sequenced recently
and a large number of putative neuropeptides and
GPCRs are predicted. The goal is to deorphanize
some GPCRs, study their tissue distribution and
investigate the binding characteristics of the
neuropeptides.
Techniques:
- Molecular biology 
RNA/DNA purification, PCR, sequencing, Reverse
pharmacology, Quantitative real-time PCR,
Structure-activity studies
Promotor: Prof. Dr. L. Schoofs (http://bio.kuleuven.be/df/LS/)
Mentor: Jelle Caers (contact: Jelle.Caers@bio.kuleuven.be)
Phenotypic plasticity of physiology and behaviour
gregarious
2D-DIGE

Differential
proteomics
Microarrayanalysis

Transcriptomics
solitary
RNA
interference

Gene Silencing
Mass
spectrometry

Peptidomics
Next
generation
sequencing
Elucidation of locust phase polyphenism with gel based proteomics.
1 Genome
More info? 
Bart.Boerjan@bio.kuleuven.be
2 phenotypes
Workflow:
Tissue dissection
Brain
Epigenetic component?
Protein extraction
Methyl-Cytidine
DNA
Differential analysis: 2D-DIGE
Differential DNA methylation?
Differential PROTEOME?
Protein identification
- MALDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometry
- Bioinformatics de novo protein identification
Towards a novel insect pest control strategy
confidential
Creativity
More info: 
Bart.Boerjan@bio.kuleuven.be
Bioinformatics
Genetic
engineering
Royality in honeybeesthe making of a queen
Food
restriction
royalactin: activates
epidermal growth factor
receptor (Egfr) in the
fat body
Plenty of
food
Royal jelly, active
(protein)
compound:
royalactin, 57kDa
-Epigenetic changes
-High juvenile hormone titer
-...
Uli.Ernst@bio.kuleuven.be
Hypothesis
: not
royalactin
but its
derivates
active
...but: how can a 57kDa
protein reach the fat body
via the gut???
Extensive training in:
-proteomics
-peptidomics
-cell culture
-scientific reasoning
(SDS-PAGE, 2D-DIGE,
mass spectrometry)
Annona Cherimoya & cancer
Septic shock
Lethal dose
Sub-Lethal dose
Identification of
protective factor
Protected
against