Research group of Functional Genomics and Proteomics

1. Research group of Functional Genomics and Proteomics • - 9 postdocs • - 11 PhD students • - 1 IOF manager • - 4 technicians http://bio.kuleuven.be/df/ls/people

2. Research group of Functional Genomics and Proteomics

3. Neuropeptides, neuronal communication and neuroplasticity L • L Big ideas from small brains Caenorhabditis elegans 302 neurons Neuropeptides are key regulators of animal physiology and behaviour through activation of GPCRs. Human brain ~100 billion neurons Conserved mechanisms: reproduction, locomotion, learning, digestion, ageing… Main research topics: • Learning, memory, and ageing • Cancer • Feeding behavior • Reproduction • Sleeping disease

4. e.g. locomotion RNAi knockdown 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 Contact:Isabel.beets@bio.kuleuven.be

5. Understanding experience-based learning behaviour: The unraveling of neuronal circuits by innovative optogenetic tools. Caenorhabditis elegans advantages:302 neuronen, toolbox for genetic manipulationsthousands of mutant strains availableThe 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 triangleImage modified from Stirman et al. (2011) Nature Methods 8: 153-158 Aim: can we control learning behaviour using optogenetics?

7. A forward mutagenesis screen to study the neuroendocrine regulatory system of reproduction in C. elegans GFP expression in intestine Mutagenesis Fluorescent worms (vit-2::GFP) Non fluorescent worms Gene mapping OR Whole genome sequencing COPAS worm sorter Defects with respect to reproduction Target phenotyping E.g. egg-laying defect

8. 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 endocrinesystemsinfluenceaging? Proteomics Gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) Mass spectrometry What are the effectorsthatcontrolaging? Contact:Wouter.dehaes@bio.kuleuven.be

9. GnRHRachtigereceptorenbijC. elegans: Reproductie of energiehuishouding? • VERTEBRATEN • Receptor wordt geactiveerd door het gonadotropin-releasing hormoon (GnRH) dat de reproductie reguleert. • INSECTEN • Receptor wordt geactiveerd door adipokinetisch hormoon (AKH) • dat de energiehuishouding • reguleert. • C. elegans • 8 homologen: gnrr-1 tot gnrr-8 CONTACT: Lotte.frooninckx@bio.kuleuven.be Research group of Functional Genomics and Proteomics

10. Neuropeptide hormones and their receptors: a suitable target to combat tsetse flies? The tsetse fly genome has been sequenced recently and a large number of putative neuropeptides and GPCRs are predicted. The goal is to deorphanizesome GPCRs, study their tissue distribution and investigate the binding characteristicsof the neuropeptides. 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. 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)

11. gregarious solitary RNA interference  Gene Silencing 2D-DIGE  Differential proteomics Microarray-analysis  Transcript-omics Mass spectrometry  Peptidomics Phenotypic plasticity of physiology and behaviour Next generation sequencing

12. 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 Differential analysis: 2D-DIGE DNA Differential DNA methylation? Differential PROTEOME? Protein identification - MALDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometry - Bioinformaticsde novo protein identification

13. Towards a novel insect pest control strategy confidential Creativity Bioinformatics Genetic engineering More info:  Bart.Boerjan@bio.kuleuven.be

14. Royality in honeybees-the making of a queen Royal jelly, active (protein) compound: royalactin, 57kDa ...but: how can a 57kDa protein reach the fat body via the gut??? royalactin: activates epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) in the fat body Hypothesis: not royalactin but itsderivatesactive Extensive training in: -proteomics -peptidomics -cell culture -scientific reasoning (SDS-PAGE, 2D-DIGE, mass spectrometry) -Epigenetic changes -High juvenile hormone titer -... Uli.Ernst@bio.kuleuven.be

15. Annona Cherimoya & cancer

16. Septic shock Lethal dose Sub-Lethal dose Identification of protective factor Protected against