Research group Matrix biochemistry

Aims

The research group has two focus areas related to soft tissue regeneration:

Biomaterials

With respect to biomaterials, an in vivo regenerative approach is envisoned, in which the biomaterials form the scaffold that instruct cells to regenerate the original tissue. This goal is studied by structuring the scaffold (physical cues) and applying (bio)molecules that stimulate cellular differentiation (biological cues) or applying specific release systems. In a natural situation, it is the extracellular matrix that functions as this scaffold. It is therefore a rational choice to use (molecules from) the extracellular matrix as biomaterials in regenerative medicine. Research on soft tissue regeneration encompasses e.g. skin, skeletal muscle and urogenital tissues (like bladder, urethra and ureters). Congenital anomalies that need closure of a defect are a particular topic of interest, e.g. congenital diaphragmatic hernia and spina bifida, as in the growing child restoration of functional tissue that can grow with the child is of vital importance.

Glycosaminoglycans

With respect to glycosaminoglycans, the sugar moiety of proteoglycans, our research studies their role in health and disease, e.g. ovarian cancer, Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s Disease. The lab’s single chain variable fragment antibodies against glycosaminoglycan epitopes provide a unique tool for these studies.