Projects
DC1: Optimizing treatment decisions by using MRD data combined with artificial intelligence.
The aim of this research project is to better predict development and kinetics of minimal residual disease (MRD) and relapse in Acute Leukemic & Myeloid Leukemia (ALL & AML) over time by using multiparameter flow cytometry data measured at diagnosis and different time points after treatments in combination with artificial intelligence and bioinformatics.
DC2: In-depth analysis of phenotypic acute leukemia MRD dynamics using single sell data and advance computational techniques.
This project focuses on characterizing the dynamic processes that drive acute leukemia cell evolution, including phenotypic drift and lineage switching, by integrating multimodal single-cell data with additional topological and kinetic measures (e.g., RNA velocity).
DC3: The establishment of clinical translational AML MRD on-chip models.
This project aims to develop ex vivo immunocompetent bone marrow (BM)-acute leukemia MRD 3D models, that mimic AML MRD in the patient and that will enable discovery of novel therapies targeting AML MRD, while also allowing for identification of treatment responsive patient subsets.
DC4: Characterization of AML MRD using single cell transcriptomic and epigenetic analysis.
This project aims to capture the heterogeneity of AML MRD, and identify characteristics of MRD during treatment. The researcher will work in close collaboration with a wet-lab technician to deconstruct MRD-specific features using integrative analysis of scRNA- and single cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin (scATAC)-sequencing, in combination with single cell protein profiling.
DC5: The characterization of acute lymphoblastic leukemia MRD and relapse using single cell omics.
This project aims to capture the heterogeneity of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) MRD, and identify characteristics of ALL MRD during chemotherapy treatment. The researcher will identify and characterize residual patient ALL cells during chemotherapy treatment by single cell multiomics.
DC6: Multiomic and metabolomic characterization of AML residual disease after AZA/VEN treatment.
The project aims to define a functional description of transcriptional and metabolic rewiring of transient and persistent therapy resistant and leukemia initiating cells, and identify novel therapeutic strategies based on evolutionary traps for AML MRD.
DC7: Dissecting and targeting niche-dependent vulnerabilities of protection from therapy in AML.
The project aims to investigate and therapeutically target mechanisms of resistance and MRD in AML, which rely on the bone marrow microenvironment, and particularly mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs).
DC8: Therapy-induced senescence as anti-cancer and immune-stimulatory strategy in AML.
The aim of this project is to get a deep understanding of the mechanisms that drive senescence post chemotherapy and of senescence-induced halting of AML proliferation and modulation of immune-mediated clearance.
DC9: Characterization of persisting leukemic blasts in down syndrome patients to define targets for immune-therapy.
The project aims at defining characteristics of persistent transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM) and myeloid leukemia (ML-DS) in Down syndrome patients, which are responsible for progression and relapse of the disease.
DC10: Targeting MRD and LSCs in the bone marrow niche by chemokine modified, dual targeting CAR T cells in AML.
The hypothesis of this project is that split CAR T cells (dual targeting) with improved capacity to home to the bone marrow niche by additional expression of a chemokine receptor will be an efficient and highly specific strategy to eliminate AML (MRD and LSCs).