On-going Projects

1.1 Mechanism(s) of glucocorticoid incorporation

• The influence of scale cortisol on the elemental composition and (sub-)cellular structure of the scale in carp (Cyprinus carpio) >>
• A first glimp on the incorporation rate of cortisol in scales of carp (Cyprinus carpio) >>
• Incorporation rate of corticosterone in feathers of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) >>
• 1a-Hydroxycorticosterone in a shark tooth as biomarker for chronic stress in elasmobranchs >>

1.2 Chronic stress, target glucocorticoid receptor profiles and ligand binding kinetics

• Maternally deposited and early life (stress induced) de novo synthesis of glucocorticoids by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Interrenal axis using carp (Cyprinus carpio) as a model: the effect of cortisol and its endogenous phase I metabolites on glucocorticoid (pre)receptor regulation in brain and bone >>

1.3 Extra-interrenal and -adrenal glucocorticoids and alternative substrates for glucocorticoid biosynthesis

• Steroidogenesis and glucocorticoids in C. elegans >>

1.4 Glucocorticoid-mediated developmental programming and early life stress

• The influence of (chronic) elevated levels of endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoids on the (re)activity of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Interrenal axis using carp (Cyprinus carpio) as a model: expression of key genes and UPLC-MS/MS quantification of a full glucocorticoid profile from egg to adult fish. >>
• Maternally deposited and early life (stress induced) de novo synthesis of glucocorticoids by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Interrenal axis using carp (Cyprinus carpio) as a model: the effect of cortisol and its endogenous phase I metabolites on glucocorticoid (pre)receptor regulation in brain and bone >>

1.5 Glucocorticoid-mediated bone (de)formation

• Levels of scale cortisol in relation to the morphometry of scales in carp (Cyprinus carpio) >>
• Glucocorticoid-Induced-Osteoporosis >>
• Natural variation in deformations in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) >>
• Effect of artificial stress on bone >>
• Maternally deposited and early life (stress induced) de novo synthesis of glucocorticoids by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Interrenal axis using carp (Cyprinus carpio) as a model: the effect of cortisol and its endogenous phase I metabolites on glucocorticoid (pre)receptor regulation in brain and bone >>

1.6 Individual variation in stress response

• To what extent can individual variation in the stress response and coping style in time be reflected by hair cortisol in pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) >>
• Unravelling the effects of individual coping style and long-term glucocorticoid up-regulation on cardiac remodelling in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) >>

2.1 Management as stressor in fish farms, in ornamental fish aquaculture, in home and public aquaria, in zebrafish facilities, in amphibian and reptile terraria, in avian farms, in pig farms and in cattle farms

• Optimization of fish management of commercial waters used for sport fishing >>

2.2 Feed as stressor focusing on invertebrates (e.g. Artemia) and fish feed constituents

• Glucocorticoid profiling of commercially available Artemia >>

2.3 Microbial endocrinology, interaction between bacteria, glucocorticoids and the stress level in fish

• Impact of virus-induced gill disease caused by carp edema virus (CEV) on the immunological status of fish >>
• Future steering of the microbiome: the interplay between glucocorticoids and the bacterial community of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems >>

2.4 Pollutants as stressor

At present, none to be disclosed.

2.5 Stress in human related pathologies

• Glucocorticoid-Induced-Osteoporosis >>

3.1 Development and validation of a biosensor for on-site glucocorticoid analysis in fish scale

At present, none to be disclosed.

3.2 Improving sustainability and animal welfare in aquaculture and husbandry

• Applicability of cortisol in scales as a biomarker for chronic stress in fish >>
• Coping with new environments and production methods: Animal welfare and stress biology applied to modern fish farming >>
• Optimization of the welfare of small ruminants used for human therapy, education, and recreation >>
• Causes of fry growth variability in the greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) and implications in aquaculture >>
• Development of an evaluation index for the practical assessment of trout welfare aspects >>
• Seabass Sex and Stress >>
• Optimization of egg and fry quality of seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) >>

3.3 Improving our understanding of the impact of anthropogenic activities on the health status of vertebrates in the wild

• Search for a biomarker for chronic stress in amphibians >>
• Corticosterone in shed skin, as biomarker for chronic stress in snakes >>
• The impact of anthropogenic activities on an invasive species: the case of the parakeet (Psittacula krameri) >>
• The impact of anthropogenic activities on the biological success of a native species: the case of the great tit (Parus major) >>
• Innovative UPLC-MS/MS method for quantification of 1α-hydroxycorticosterone in plasma, as biomarker for acute stress in sharks >>
• The impact of anthropogenic activities on different species of sea gull in the North sea >>
• Protection et restauration de la biodiversité des écosystèmes marins dans le cadre d'activités de pêche durable. >>
• Forest biodiversity and multifunctionality drive chronic-stress-mediated dynamics in pathogen reservoirs >>
• The biomarker for chronic stress in amphibians >>