Dissect the molecular determinants of osteoclast differentiation and fusion
Dissect the molecular and structural determinants of osteoclastic bone resorption with special emphasis on trench- and pit-mode
Investigate how various drugs (both experimental and clinical) affect osteoclast fusion and bone resorption
Investigate if bone composition and structure can influence the resorptive behavior of osteoclasts
Functional validation of genes identified as risk factors for osteoporosis, but with unknown function in bone cells – in particular osteoclasts
Investigate if and how osteoclasts resorbing bone in trench- or pit-mode communicate differently with reversal cells (osteoblast-lineage cells)
Characterize osteoclast biology and regulation during human aging
Use osteoclast cultures (generated with cells from patients and healthy donors) to bring mechanistic insights on bone diseases such as osteoporosis, cancer induced bone disease, HIV/AIDS, etc. and the treatment thereof
Investigate the variable sensitivity of osteoclasts (both in vitro and in patients) to antiresorptive treatment and identify the molecular and epigenetic causes
How does disease or aging affect the coupling between osteoclasts and reversal cells (osteoblast-lineage)?
Characterize the bone anabolic and catabolic of bone allografts on bone cells in vitro to improve treatment of spinal stenosis
Improved diagnostics and monitoring of prostate cancer with and without bone metastases
Use of bone biomarkers as diagnostic and monitoring tool at all clinical stages
Individualize the use of androgen deprivation therapy based on new risk prediction criteria and epigenetic profiles
Improved diagnostics to reduce the risk of developing metastasis (bone metastasis)
Improved personalized care of breast cancer patients with bone metastases
Use bone biomarkers to identify non-responders and predict risk of early death
Use genetic profile(s) to personalize antiresorptive treatment
Use genetic profile(s) to predict risk of early death
Use epigenetic profile(s) to personalize antiresorptive treatment
Use epigenetic profile(s) to predict risk of early death
Improved risk prediction and personalized medicine to optimize treatment of osteoporosis
Use epigenetic profile(s) to personalize the choice of anti-resorptive treatment
Use epigenetic profile(s) to predict risk of accelerated bone loss and fracture
Use genetic profile(s) to predict risk of accelerated bone loss and fracture