dr. Bart Van Puyvelde (PhD)

FWO junior postdoctoral researcher – Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGent)
Visiting Postdoctoral Researcher – Analytical BioSciences and Metabolomics group – Leiden University
Principal investigator: prof. Dieter Deforce (PhD)
Research focus
My research aims to improve the detection and quantification of biomarkers for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) using advanced analytical techniques. Specifically, we are evaluating the use of Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) to measure thyroglobulin (Tg) levels in the serum of patients suffering from DTC. Accurate Tg measurement is crucial for monitoring DTC recurrence, as results from current immunometric assays are compromised in up to 25% of patients due to anti-Tg autoantibodies. Using peptide immuno-enrichment in combination with LC-MS offers a more reliable alternative, potentially reducing the need for expensive and less sensitive imaging methods. Additionally, integrating new plasma proteomics workflows could facilitate the discovery of new potential biomarkers for DTC and other cancer types, enabling the monitoring of disease progression and evaluation of therapeutic responses.
Furthermore, I am investigating Histone Post-Translational Modifications (hPTMs), which play a crucial role in regulating gene expression, chromatin structure, and DNA repair. Abnormal hPTM patterns can lead to the silencing of tumor suppressor genes or the activation of oncogenes, driving malignant transformation and progression. Screening for such epigenetic changes is therefore of great interest. In collaboration with Prof. Pieter Van Vlierberghe (Lab of Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis, Center for Medical Genetics, UGent), we have already mapped the baseline hPTM profile of 21 T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL) cell lines using LC-MS.
In summary, my research integrates analytical chemistry, molecular biology, and clinical diagnostics to advance cancer research through robust, high-throughput biomarker detection methods. My ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes by enhancing diagnostic capabilities and supporting the development of personalized medicine approaches.
Biography
- PhD Fellowship of Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Ghent University, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (2017-2021).
- Visiting Postdoctoral Researcher, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Key publications
- An interactive mass spectrometry atlas of histone posttranslational modifications in T-cell acute leukemia. Scientific Data, 2022. (PMID: 36243775)
Contact & links
- Lab address: Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B - 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- LabFBT
- ProGenTomics, Proteomics core facility
- Google Scholar
- X (former Twitter)
- Bart Van Puyvelde is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks