dr. Maude Jans (PhD)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, and mounting evidence highlights a key role for the gut microbiota in its development.
My research focuses on pks+ Escherichia coli, a group of bacteria that produce colibactin—a DNA-damaging toxin that leaves a distinct mutational signature found in about 1 in 8 colon tumors and is associated with earlier CRC onset. I discovered that these bacteria must adhere to the colonic epithelium using specific adhesins FimH and FmlH for colibactin to exert its genotoxic effects.
Going forward, I aim to unravel how pks+ E. coli interact with the host across different life stages and disease settings, including how early-life exposure may influence long-term cancer risk. By identifying the conditions under which these bacteria become harmful, my research also explores anti-adhesive therapies as a targeted alternative to antibiotics, offering new strategies to prevent or reduce their impact on colorectal cancer.
 

• Lab address: Inflammation Research Center – VIB, Technologiepark 71, 9052 Zwijnaarde
• van Loo lab 
• Vereecke team