Our research focuses on myelin biogenesis in health and disease (particularly multiple sclerosis, MS) on topics related to trafficking and signalling in oligodendrocytes. We have identified the polarized nature of oligodendrocytes, in which cognate apical-like and basolateral-like trafficking routes exist for the transport of protein and lipids to the cell body plasma membrane and myelin membrane, respectively. Another aspect of our work aims at revealing the role of neuronal factors and the relevance of various extracellular matrix constituents present in MS lesions that modulate oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. We have identified environmental signalling abnormalities in MS lesions, such as fibronectin aggregates and the persistent presence of neuronal galectin-4, that hamper oligodendrocyte maturation. Currently, we aim to devise strategies that reverse signal malfunctioning of fibronectin aggregates and galectin-4 so as to favor the development of therapeutics to promote endogenous remyelination and/or overcome remyelination failure in MS lesions, thereby halting disease progression. Recently we started to study remyelination efficiency from a heterogeneity point of view considering both regional differences between glial cells present in the grey and white matter as well as differences between glial cells of people with and without MS.
Principal Investigator
Myelin biogenesis, multiple sclerosis (MS), trafficking and signalling in oligodendrocytes, ECM
Ongoing projects/grants (selection):
2020-2021: Out-of-the-box grant, Moves and Stichting MS Research (with Sander van Kasteren): EBV-infected B cells as essential inducers of demyelination in multiple sclerosis.
2018-2023: Program Grant Stichting MS Research (with MSCNN) : An integrative analysis of MS lesions to prepare the scene for effective remyelination therapy
2017-2021: Project grant Stichting MS Research (with Inge Zuhorn): Delivery of a novel therapeutic drug to the brain for myelin repair in multiple sclerosis
2017-2022: National Lotery ‘ VriendenLoterij grant, Stichting MS Research (with MSCNN): Establishment of an MS patient-derived iPS cell bank: towards a human MS lesion model in a dish
Dissertation supervised by W. Baron (co-promotor):
2021
Lentferink, D.H. (2021). Regional diversity in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells: implications for remyelination in grey and white matter. [Groningen]: University of Groningen
2020
Werkman, I. (2020). Macroglia diversity and its effect on myelination [Groningen]: University of Groningen
Espitia Pinzon, N. (2020). Role of tissue Transglutaminase in glial cell processes involved in multiple sclerosis [Amsterdam]: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
2018
Wang, P. (2018). On the role of macrophages, microglia and the extracellular matrix in remyelination [Groningen]: University of Groningen
2018
Wang, P. (2018). On the role of macrophages, microglia and the extracellular matrix in remyelination [Groningen]: University of Groningen
2016
Bijlard, M. (2016). On the cause of multiple sclerosis: Molecular mechanisms regulating myelin biogenesis [Groningen]: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
2014
Stoffels, J. (2014). Multiple sclerosis, remyelination and the role of fibronectin [Groningen]: University of Groningen
Ozgen, H. (2014). Myelin biogenesis: Dynamics of MBP, PLP and galactolipids [Groningen]: University of Groningen
2012
Mirjana Stancic (2012). Galectins, (re)myelination and multiple sclerosis pathology [Groningen]: University of Groningen
2007
Bert Klunder (2007). Sorting and trafficking of proteins in oligodendrocytes during myelin membrane biogenesis) [Groningen]: University of Groningen
2006
Zuzane Siskova (2006): Extracellular matrix and (re)myelination. [Groningen]: University of Groningen
Students (bachelor, masters or technician school) who are interested to perform an internship in our group are welcome to apply. We have ample opportunities, and I would be happy to explain our research goals and possibilities for research projects in more detail. Minimal length is 3 months.
You can apply via this application form.
PhD students:
Zuzana Šišková (2006)
Bert Klunder (2007)
Mirjana Stancic (2012)
Josephine Stoffels (2014)
Hande Ozgen (2014)
Marjolein Bijlard (2016)
Peng Wang (2018)
Inge Werkman (2020)
Dennis Lentferink (2021)
Post-docs:
Olaf Maier
Tiemen van der Heide
Michel Vos
Erik Sikkema
Technicians:
Anita Nomden
Bojana Mikus
MS Center Noord Nederland (MSCNN)
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