dr. Tom Delanghe (PhD)

RIPK1 is a key protein kinase that functions downstream of several immune receptors. As a scaffold, RIPK1 promotes inflammatory signaling by recruiting proteins essential for immune responses, thereby preventing cell death. In contrast, when its kinase activity is engaged, RIPK1 can induce programmed cell death through apoptosis, necroptosis, or even pyroptosis. Tight control over RIPK1’s activity is critical—its excessive activation can lead to chronic inflammation and debilitating autoinflammatory disorders, while insufficient activation may allow diseased cells to survive.

My research focuses on deciphering the molecular mechanisms that regulate RIPK1’s kinase activity, with the goal of identifying compounds capable of artificially activating it. Such compounds could be leveraged to selectively trigger RIPK1 kinase–dependent death in cancer cells, potentially overcoming cell death resistance that characterizes many tumor types.
 

• Lab address: VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research; Fiers-Schell-Van Montagu building; Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71; B-9052 Ghent; Belgium
• Tom Delanghe is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks