Prof.dr. J.A. Lisman
Jaar: 2017

Liver disease is associated with complex changes in the hemostatic system. Although routine indices of hemostasis such as the platelet count and prothrombin time suggest a bleeding tendency, these patients are in fact in hemostatic balance due to a simultaneous decline in pro- and anticoagulant drivers. Whether this rebalanced hemostatic state remains when patients with liver disease become critically ill is unknown and subject of this proposal. Knowledge on the hemostatic status of critically ill patients with liver disease is vital for a rational approach to hemostatic management.

Ms. I. van Zeventer, BSc, BA
Jaar: 2017

Some patients fail to mobilize sufficient numbers of CD34+ peripheral blood stem cells upon mobilization procedures for autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation. It is now known that clonal haematopoiesis might emerge during ageing and following chemotherapeutic treatment, implying a risk for development of myeloid neoplasms. We aim to study the presence of clonal haematopoiesis in poor mobilizers by a targeted sequencing approach and to relate the mutational profile to clinical outcomes and development of secondary haematological malignancies. Results from this study may contribute to improved and personalized treatment protocols.

Dr. M.E. Erasmus
Jaar: 2016

In our project we stabilized the damaging process by giving stem cells during ex situ perfusion and ventilation of rat donor lungs pre-transplant. Multiple smaller doses were most efficient.

Prof.dr. R.P. Coppes
Jaar: 2016

Insufficient levels of thyroid hormone due to cancer treatment related thyroidectomy may lead to fatigue, feeling cold, constipation, and weight increase; whereas high levels may lead to cardiovascular diseases or osteoporosis. In this project we developed a culture protocol for murine and human thyroid stem cell derived tissue resembling organoids. When xeno-transplanted into athyroid mice, these organoids form functional hormone producing thyroid follicles. This opens future therapeutic possibilities for tissue stem cell-based therapies for thyroid cancer patients suffering from hypothyroidism.

Ms. K. Mattes
Jaar: 2016

Leukemia stem cells  play a  crucial role in disease initiation and progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We identified that altered expression of the transcriptional regulators CITED2 and PU.1 impacts the survival and maintenance of both normal- and leukemia stem cells. With support of “Tekke Huizingafonds” we investigated potential molecular mechanisms underlying this observation. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate stem cell self-renewal and survival can help to improve current protocols for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or highlight opportunities for AML therapy.

Mr. E.L. de Vrij
Jaar: 2016

Long term cold storage of human platelets for transfusion is not yet possible due to detrimental effects of low temperature on platelets causing rapid clearance after transfusion. Studies on platelets in hibernating animals do not show these detrimental effects of temperature, despite cycling through extreme temperatures. In this project we assessed the effects of temperature on platelet function in mice mimicking ‘daily hibernation’ and by using intravital microscopy analysis. Studying hibernators and their protective mechanisms against cold may unlock platelet cold storage for non-hibernating mammals.

Prof. dr. H. van Goor – UMCG
Jaar: 2013

Hydrogen sulfide has protective properties during ischemia. It can hypometabolize cells and tissues comparable to cooling down. We currently uss this concept to protect transplant organs in the phases prior to transplantation.