Mirte De Temmerman

Doctoral student – Lab for Computational Biology, Integromics and Gene Regulation (CBIGR) – Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences & Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UGent
Principal investigator: prof. Vanessa Vermeirssen (PhD)
Research focus
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and challenging type of brain cancer, known for its cellular and molecular diversity, as well as the ability of its tumor cells to adapt and resist treatment. Recent advancements in multi-omics technologies, both in bulk and single-cell omics, allow us to study this complexity in unprecedented detail. Single-cell omics in particular reveals cell-to-cell variability, giving insights into how individual glioblastoma cells adapt and evade treatments.
In my PhD, I aim to unravel the underlying mechanisms that drive the tumor’s heterogeneity and plasticity. Using a multi-omics approach, I will integrate transcriptomics and epigenomics to study the gene regulatory networks that shape glioblastoma behavior and to reveal how various genes and regulatory elements interact within this tumor. Using in silico perturbation—computational simulations of genetic and therapeutic interventions—I can predict potential vulnerabilities within these networks. And additionally, incorporating spatial omics enables us to observe interactions within the tumor microenvironment, offering a more complete picture of how glioblastoma cells communicate and adapt within their surroundings. By pinpointing key regulatory factors and potential vulnerabilities, my work aims to contribute to the development of more effective, personalized therapies to counteract glioblastoma’s resilience. This approach supports the larger field of precision oncology by offering insights into the intricate network of molecular interactions that drive cancer progression, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for patients facing this devastating disease.
Biography
In 2024, I graduated from Ghent University with a Master of Science degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology, majoring in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, with a minor in Structural Biology. I conducted my master’s dissertation at the Computational Biology, Integromics, and Gene Regulation lab (CBIGR) lab under the supervision of Prof. Vermeirssen, focusing on modeling glioblastoma metabolism at the single-cell level. In October 2024, I began my PhD studies at the CBIGR lab, where I continue to investigate glioblastoma heterogeneity and plasticity at the cellular and subcellular levels.
Contact & links
- Lab address
- CBIGR: Zwijnaarde-Technologiepark 71, 9052 Ghent
- Medicine and Health Sciences: C. Heymanslaan 10, entrance 34 (2MRB1), 9000 Ghent - CBIGR lab
- ORCiD
- Mirte De Temmerman is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks