— I am one of the thankful recipients of the NWO VIDI grants 2021 (Dutch Research Council). VIDIs are for early career scientist to launch their successful independent research track to the next level. I will use this funding to explore the early-stages of colon cancer, among others to improve Read more…
Wow, so excited about this work that reads like a trilogy. First, we re-engineered a fluorescent FRET biosensor for ERK into an improved version EKAREN5 (available at Addgene). Second, we established quantitative real-time ERK-FRET measurements in all tumor cells of drug-challenged organoids. As last, we reveal that upstream EGFR activity Read more…
Much delayed by COVID, but Lotte was finally allowed to defend her thesis. Opponents and guests were virtually present, while Lotte filled the empty room with great display of her expertise and knowledge!
Yes, he is different! We welcome the first MD in our group! Maarten will carry out a phase1/2 trial to test a new therapy against KRAS mutant colon cancer. In parallel he will test organoids as companion diagnostics. Maarten will be co-supervised by Jeanine Roodhart, medical oncologist in our hospital.
COVID lockdown provided a window to reexamine current literature regarding stem cell function and environmental control. Joris took the lead and shaped his long-term interest into a new review.
Lotte publishes experimental data in Cell reports that the number of functional stem cells increases in intestinal crypts upon caloric restriction, confirming prior studies using marker gene expression.
Most of our lab work has been restricted since half of March. After about two months, we are enthusiastic to slowly reopening the labs. Virtual meetings are likely to stay in some sort…
Thankful for our great and long-lasting collaboration with the Van Rheenen laboratory! New work, spearheaded by the Van Rheenen lab, in Cell Stem Cell about the origin of liver metastases from colorectal cancers. Using genetic mouse models and intravital imaging, it turns out that the major suspects, i.e. so-called cancer Read more…
Hugo is a member of a multidisciplinary research team (AMOLF, NKI, Hubrecht & UMCU) that successfully applied for a NWO groot research grant (~€2,5M). The team will perform functional studies on rare cell types in the gut to delineate their relationship with common diseases like Crohn’s, obesity, infections or irritable Read more…
We wrote a review about the types of oncogenic mutations in the MAPK pathway in colorectal cancer. They are similar but different. Unfortunately, studying them is often comparing apples to oranges. Organoid models and CRISPR genome editing might pave the way…