Technical platforms - UHasselt

BIOMED has strong expertise in basic molecular biological and advanced immunological technologies including:

• (RT)-PCR

• DNA sequencing

• Gene cloning

• Flow cytometry

• cell sorting via FACSAriaII

• ELISA

• Cytokine analysis

• Production and purification of monoclonal antibodies

• Immuno assays: measuring immune responses and immune cell homeostasis

Expertise and infrastructure is available at BIOMED on the level of:

• Electron microscopy (SEM en TEM)

• Confocal miscroscopy (FRET, FRAP, SHG)

• Immunohistochemistry en fluorescence microscopy 

High field MRI imaging of rodents (including brain and spinal cord) is performed in collaboration with UHasselt-IMO institute.

Elaborate expertise in electrophysiological techniques is available at BIOMED. This includes patch clamping technology for ligand gated and voltage gated ion channels, primary cultures and ex vivo brain slices. New drugs can be tested in standardized protocols, but also new expertimental protocols can be developed with our partners.

BIOMED researchers have a strong expertise in several types of cell culture systems including primary and immortalized cultures from human, mouse and rat origin. These include human and rodent derived cells of the immune system such as T-cells, B-cells, monocytes and dendritic cells; and rodent cells of the nervous system such as oligodendrocytes, microglia, astrocytes, and neurons (with neurite outgrowth assays). Neural cultures can be applied to evaluate the impact of pharmacological compounds on axon and dendrite outgrowth and regeneration. In addition, ex vivo cultures such as organotypic brain slices are available at BIOMED.

BIOMED applies several animal models to study CNS inflammation and injury. We have several models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mouse (C57/BL6) and rat (Lewis and DA rat) to study acute and chronic disease stages of models of multiple sclerosis (MS). To study brain de- and regeneration, the cuprizone induced demyelination model and several mouse models of spinal cord injury (contusion and hemisection) are applied. The models are studied using functional parameters and histological and imaging methods. Rodents are also used for toxicological studies and acute inflammation models. All models are available for innovative projects.

BIOMED offers state-of-the-art proteomics technologies including 1D and 2D gel electrophoresis, DIGE, liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Our researchers have strong expertise in brain proteomics.

Phage display technology is applied in our research programs to identify new autoantigens for autoimmune disease. cDNA libraries are cloned into phage expression libraries and used for affinity selections in serological antigen selection (SAS).

Our group applies our biomedical knowhow in projects to develop new biosensors for the detection of disease related biomarkers such as small molecules and proteins. These biosensors use as detection molecules monoclonal antibodies, bacteriophages, aptamers and DNA probes but also whole cells. The platforms used are developed in collaboration with the UHasselt-IMO institute and include synthetic diamond based platforms.

BIOMED has developed a clinical trial expert team with experienced MDs, study nurses and data managers. We participate in phase 2, 3 and 4 studies in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis. Imaging and other clinical expertise is offered in collaboration with regional hospitals. For MS, BIOMED collaborates in a regional network with the Rehabilitation and MS center Overpelt and the rehabilitation research center of PHL. We closely work together with these partners in the MS Network Limburg (research, care and treatment for MS).

BIOMED also participates in the Limburg Biobank, a joint project with the major regional hospitals Jessa (Hasselt) and ZOL (Genk) aimed at further development of a biobank for research and innovation projects. This biobank is linked to the Flemish biobank of the Flemish Center for Medical Innovation (CMI).