Projects
Take a look at the various projects in collaboration with different researchers.
Next projects - Academic year 2025/2026
Get in contact with the coordinator to discuss the possibilities.
Next projects - Academic year 2025/2026
Period 1 - starting 1-9-2025聽
In this project, we aim to develop nanobodies - small, stable molecules derived from camelid heavy chain antibodies - to target specific immune receptors. Nanobodies offer unique advantages due to their size and stability, allowing for precise targeting in tissues and making them ideal for both therapeutic applications and diagnostic tools. By selecting nanobodies from a synthetic library and characterizing their binding properties, we hope to develop tools that will later advance treatments for immune-related diseases. This cutting-edge research at Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 offers expert supervision and the potential to make groundbreaking discoveries, making it a perfect opportunity for those interested in cell biology, biochemistry, or immunology.
Period 2 - starting 10-11-2025
In this project, we aim to develop nanobodies to track the proteins binding to DNA within cell nucleus. DNA-binding proteins, such as transcription factors and histones, play important functions in regulating the activity of genes. Traditionally, the binding patterns of these proteins could be visualized and mapped within the nucleus using antibodies. However, due to their small size, stability and affinity, nanobodies offer an advantage over conventional antibodies for targeting these proteins. By selecting nanobodies from a synthetic library and characterizing their binding properties, we hope to create new tools to decipher the mechanism of transcriptional regulation in living cells.
Period 3 - starting 2-2-2026
This project aims to develop and validate nanobodies targeting two key kidney membrane proteins: Cystinosin (CTNS) and Na鈦/K鈦-ATPase. CTNS, a lysosomal cystine transporter, is crucial for understanding cystinosis but lacks high-quality research antibodies. Na鈦/K鈦-ATPase, a well-characterized ion pump essential for epithelial cell polarity, will serve as a benchmark target to optimize nanobody generation and validation workflows. Students will participate in antigen selection, nanobody production, and functional testing through assays such as immunostaining, live-cell imaging, and binding analyses. The project will establish versatile molecular tools to advance membrane protein research and renal cell biology.
Period 4 - starting 20-4-2026
To be determined
Academic year 2024/2025
Period 1
The MacGillavry group is interested in developing nanobodies to track the dynamic organization of endogenous neurotransmitter receptors on the neuronal membrane using super-resolution microscopy. Therefore, dye- or QD-coupled nanobodies targeting specific receptors will have to be generated and tested in neuronal cultures.
Period 2
Dr Apostolos Liakopoulos is interested in obtaining nanobodies as tools to study different processes in bacteria.
Period 3
Myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and Contactin 1 (CNTN1) are two proteins that help maintain the myelin-axon connection. At the same time, they are possibly used by viruses to infect the nervous system. Nanobodies against MAG and CNTN1 have recently been generated but it is not clear to which parts of the molecules they bind.
Characterization of nanobodies selected for MAG and CNTN1
Nanobody fluorophore labelling for imaging MAG and Contactin1
Period 4
In vitro systems to investigate Gut Health.
Optimization of the epithelial cell cultures: Achieving reliable and accurate results by measuring cell viability, mucus secretion, cytokine levels, barrier function (e.g., transepithelial resistance, tracer flux assay, and tight junction measurements).
Development of a high-throughput system: Transitioning from standard assays to high-throughput formats (e.g., shifting from 96-well plates to 384-well plates), enabling more efficient screening and reducing the number of therapeutic substances required for testing.
Trigger testing: Investigating the effects of various infection- or inflammation-related triggers to determine their impact on gut health.
Evaluation of therapeutic interventions: Testing a range of nutritional components, medications, and other interventions to assess gut health.
Older projects
- Selection and characterization of nanobodies specific for death receptor 5, Dr. Michal Heger
- Bispecific nanobodies for SARS-CoV-2 lysosomal degradation, Dr. Jord Stam
- New EGFR specific nanobodies derived from a synthetic library, Prof. Lukas Kapitein
- Characterization of new nanobodies for continuous protein sensing, TUe, Dr. Arthur de Jong
- Nanobodies for SCAD (Vrouwenhart Challenge), Prof. Niels Bovenschen and Prof. Hester den Ruijter