Welcome to the website of the Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction research group!
Together with other groups, we are integrated in the Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology of the Department of Biology (K.U.Leuven).
Our institute is located in the historical centre of Leuven
In addition, translational research is carried out to discover new pharmacological agents, to explore novel strategies for pest control and to efficiently convert organic waste products into biomass via insects (e.g. Chitinsect, Insects4Food).
Recent Publications
A few recent publications
- Length of insect siRNAs is species-dependent - Santos et al.
- JH receptor Met is essential for locust reproduction - Gijbels et al.
- Ligand selectivity of different AKH receptors - Marchal/Schellens et al.
- MicroRNAs in extracellular media of cultured Drosophila cells - Van den Brande/Gijbels et al.
- Ecdysis triggering hormone in locusts - Lenaerts et al.
Recent review & opinion papers:
- Nutrient digestion and absorption in the insect gut - Holtof et al.
- RNA interference in insects - Vogel et al.
- Peptides in insect oogenesis - Lenaerts et al.
- Evolution of Argonautes in animals - Wynant et al.
- Insulin/IGF signaling in Drosophila and other insects - Nässel & Vanden Broeck
Some highlights from the past:
- dsRNA degrading enzymes in locust gut - Wynant et al.
- Regulation of feeding by NPF - Van Wielendaele et al.
- CRF/DH inhibits food intake and reproduction - Van Wielendaele et al.
- Role of PKA in desert locust gregarization behavior - Ott/Verlinden et al.
- Microarray analysis of desert locust phases - Badisco et al.
- G protein-coupled receptor for allatotropin-like peptides - Horodyski et al.
- Desert Locust CNS EST database - Badisco et al.
- Discovery of potent NK1 and opioid receptor ligands - Ballet et al.
- Final steps in locust JH biosynthesis - Marchal et al.
- Drosophila receptor for myoinhibitory peptides (MIPs) - Poels et al.
- Identification and validation of housekeeping genes - Van Hiel et al.
- Molecular identification of Bursicon and its receptor - Mendive/Van Loy et al.
- Neuropeptides and their precursors in Drosophila - Vanden Broeck
- Characterization of insectatachykinin receptor STKR - Torfs et al.
- Molecular cloning of locust allatostatin precursor - Vanden Broeck et al.
- Locust tyramine receptor - Vanden Broeck et al.
Interested?
Very motivated students or researchers interested in joining the group or scientists interested in collaboration should contact Prof. J. Vanden Broeck. Opportunities for funding of travel and subsistence are available at several granting agencies (international students, doctoral students, researchers, Marie Curie actions).
Contact Details
Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction
Naamsestraat 59 PO BOX 2465
B-3000 Leuven
Belgium
Click here for contact information