IBMM : PNAS paper about apoL1
In a recent PNAS paper (published on March 2007), the Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology (IBMM) publishes the results of a careful study concluding that apoL1 is the only trypanolytic factor of human blood.[more]

DNAVision acquires Bioreg
DNAVision has acquired Bioreg pharmacogenetics laboratory located in Kortenberg.[more]

IBMM took part in Keystone symposia
The Animal Physiology Laboratory (IBMM) took part in the organization of a Keystone symposia "Intracellular and Intercellular Signalling in dendritic cell function".[more]

Euroscreen at Bio Ceo and Investor Conference
Euroscreen took part in Bio Ceo and Investor Conference on February in NYC.[more]

IBMM : new thesis
On January 26th, Valérie Hertveldt has defended her thesis titled : Etude structurale et fonctionnelle du gène Sp6.[more]

IBMM : Giant Galapagos tortoises : trans-island hybrid identified
Molecular genetic analyses identify a trans-island hybrid in a repatriation program of an endangered taxon (giant Galapagos tortoises).[more]

Télévie : 22 April
On sunday 22 April, researchers from the IBMM and the IMI will welcome you on the Aéropole in Gosselies for a relaxing day in aid of the Télévie.[more]

IBMM : PNAS paper about apoL1

In March 2003 the laboratory of Molecular Parasitology (Prof. Etienne Pays, IBMM) reported in the journal Nature that the HDL-bound apolipoprotein L-I (in short, apoL1) was the factor protecting humans against infection by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei. In addition, the same laboratory provided an explanation for the mechanism by which the parasite subspecies Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense resists apoL1, thus enabling this particular parasite to infect humans and develop the sleeping sickness disease in Africa. The identity of this factor was intensively sought after since its initial description by the Nobel Prize winner Laveran, in 1902.

Before 2003, several groups worldwide had proposed another human serum protein as candidate for the function of factor able to kill T. brucei. After more than 20 years of publications in several top-ranking journals this protein, haptoglobin-related protein (or Hpr, in short), was generally considered as the only trypanolytic factor until apoL1 was proposed as an alternative.

After 2003, the groups that had championed Hpr still maintained their views, progressively accepting that apoL1 was involved in trypanosome killing, but eventually proposing a model where Hpr and apoL1 work in synergy to achieve full trypanolytic activity. In a recent PNAS paper (published on March 2007), the Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology (IBMM) publishes the results of a careful study concluding that apoL1 is the only trypanolytic factor of human blood.

Through the detailed examination of human sera naturally devoid of either Hpr or apoL1 (the last one having been discovered by the ULB team, see New England J. Medicine in December 2006), this group demonstrates that Hpr and apoL1 are carried by the same HDL particles, and that these particles require Hpr to bind efficiently to the trypanosome surface before being taken up inside the parasite. Thus, the involvement of Hpr in trypanolysis is a facilitation of the entry of the lytic factor apoL1 into the trypanosome, and not a function in trypanolysis per se.

These findings should clarify and conclude a long period of controversy in this field. They are important in the fact that they rule out mechanisms of toxicity based on Hpr, such as membrane lipid peroxidation mediated by iron present in Hpr-bound haemoglobin. Finally, they confirm that apoL1 represents so far the unique factor of innate immunity present in HDL particles.

DNAVision acquires Bioreg

DNAVision has acquired Bioreg pharmacogenetics laboratory located in Kortenberg. Bioreg, a spin-out of Regipharm, is a contract laboratory providing pharmacogenetic services for pharmaceutical companies.

"Through this acquisition, DNAVision is proud to continue the expansion of its pharmacogenetic activities by bringing together two laboratories accumulating more than 15 years of experience in genotyping volunteers and patients in clinical trials" said Jean-Pol Detiffe, CEO of DNAVision SA.

Jacques Berlo, CEO of Bioreg SA, said "We welcome the opportunity to become a part of DNAVision. We see this transaction as a strategic opportunity to jointly capitalize on huge growth potential in pharmacogenetic services in Europe. As now part of DNAVision, we are glad to collaborate on innovating research programs in personalized medicine for health professionals".

IBMM took part in Keystone symposia

A symposia "Intracellular and Intercellular Signalling in dendritic cell function" was organized by Muriel Moser (IBMM), Caetano Reis e Sousa (UK) and Yong-Jun Liu (USA) at Keystone from February 25 - March 2, 2007. The meeting focused on the immunomodulatory capacity of dendritic cells, a critical cell type in immune regulation.

Particular emphasis was placed on the following topics: - receptors that play an important function in pathogen recognition by DC as well as receptors involved in DC processes such as cell adhesion, migration and signalling; - the potential role of activating and inhibitory ligands and receptors in modulating DC function; - the intracellular signaling by these receptors and the mechanism by which they activate or inhibit immune effector functions and determine cellular lifespan; - the molecules involved in crosstalk between DC and other cells and tissues; - the mechanims of DC interactions with the tumor microenvironment; - the DC regulatory pathways regulating immunity versus tolerance.

Caroline Coquerelle (PhD student) and Guillaume Oldenhove (Postdoc) also attended this meeting.

Euroscreen at Bio Ceo and Investor Conference

Euroscreen took part in Bio Ceo and Investor Conference on February in NYC. Jean Combalbert, CEO of Euroscreen provided a corporate overview of the company. This was the company's first presentation since the 14 millions euros sale of its 12 year old product business to PerkinElmer, Inc. in January of this year. Following the deal, Euroscreen retained complete access and use of all its previous reagents, procedures and patents for applications in their drug development and custom service businesses which are the focus of its future growth.

IBMM : new thesis

On January 26th, Valérie Hertveldt has defended her thesis titled : Etude structurale et fonctionnelle du gène Sp6.

SP6 belongs to the SP/KLF family of transcription factors, characterized by a DNA-binding domain composed of three zinc fingers of the C2H2 type. The Sp6 gene is mainly expressed in the skin, the teeth and the limb buds of embryos and also in the adult lungs, tissues that are all derivatives of the epithelial sheet. To gain insight into the biological functions of the SP6 protein, the gene was knowk-out by eliminating the full coding region. The resulting Sp6 null mice are nude, lack functional teeth and present limb and lung malformations. It was also demonstrated that the identified abnormalities are, in each case, linked to apoptotic misregulations. This work thus shows that Sp6 plays a critical role in the development of several epithelial appendages, possibly by regulating apoptosis.

Valérie Hertveld works now for Astra-Zeneca.

IBMM : Giant Galapagos tortoises : trans-island hybrid identified

Giant Galapagos tortoises on the island of Espanola have been the focus of an intensive captive breeding-repatriation programme for over 35 years that saved the taxon from extinction. However, analysis of 118 samples from released individuals indicated that the bias sex ratio and large variance in reproductive success among the 15 breeders has severely reduced the effective population size.

In collaboration with laboratories of Yale University, State University of New York, University of New Mexico, Galapagos National Park Service and Charles Darwin Foundation, the Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics (Prof Milinkovitch, IBMM) report in the BMC Ecology that an analysis of an additional 473 captive-bred tortoises released back to the island reveals an individual (EI 465) that exhibits nuclear microsatellite alleles not found in any of the 15 breeders. Statistical analyses incorporating genotypes of 304 field-sampled individuals from all populations on the major islands indicate that EI 465 is most probably a hybrid between an Espanola female tortoise and a male from the island of Pinzon, likely present on Espanola due to human transport.

Researchers conclude that removal of EI 465 as well as its father and possible (half)-siblings is warranted to prevent further contamination within this taxon of particular conservation significance. Despite this detected single contamination, it is highly noteworthy to emphasize the success of this repatriation program conducted over nearly 40 years and involving release of over 2000 captive-bred tortoises that now reproduce in situ. The incorporation of molecular genetic analysis of the program is providing guidance that will aid in monitoring the genetic integrity of this ambitious effort to restore a unique linage of a spectacular animal.

Télévie : 22 April

On sunday 22 April, researchers from the IBMM and the IMI will welcome you on the Aéropole in Gosselies for a relaxing day in aid of the Télévie.

In the programme : motorbike and bike ride, walk, flea market, sport activities, workshop and tales for children, puppet theatre, classic cars… The day will end by a meeting with the researchers, in the presence of Arsène Burny. A catering corner is forseen.

Ideas, wish to help, need for more information, please contact : ndath@ulb.ac.be

Information meeting : Wednesday 28 March, 12.00 at the Point Centre