Geert van Loo lab

Prof. Dr. Geert van Loo

Tel: +32 9 33 13 761
Fax: +32 9 221 76 73
Email: Geert.vanLoo@irc.vib-UGent.be

Research topic

Our research aims to understand the in vivo mechanisms by which inflammation drives (autoimmune) pathology. For these studies we make use of Cre/LoxP-mediated gene targeting technology allowing tissue-specific gene deletion in mice, in combination with mouse models of human inflammatory diseases. Central in our research is the study of the molecular mechanisms involving NF-κB, apoptosis and ER stress in pathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Areas of expertise

  • ER stress and NF-κB signaling
  • In vivo mouse gene targeting and development of mouse models of inflammatory disease
  • Study of the molecular interplay between NF-κB, ER stress and autophagy in tissue homeostasis and inflammatory disease development

Selected publications

  1. Vande Walle, et al. Negative regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by A20 protects against arthritis.
    Nature. 512, 69-73, 2014.
  2. Vereecke, et al. A20 controls intestinal homeostasis through cell-specific activities.
    Nat Comm. 5, 5103, 2014.
  3. Mc Guire C et al. Paracaspase MALT1 deficiency protects mice from autoimmune-mediated demyelination.
    Journal of Immunology, 190, 2896-2903, 2013.
  4. Matmati M et al. A20 (TNFAIP3) deficiency in myeloid cells triggers erosive polyarthritis resembling rheumatoid arthritis.
    Nature Genetics, 43, 908-912, 2011.
  5. Vereecke L et al. Enterocyte specific A20 deficiency sensitizes to tumor necrosis factor-induced toxicity and experimental colitis.
    Journal of Experimental Medicine, 207, 1513-1523, 2010.

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