The lipid membrane is a basic structural component of all living cells. Embedded in this nanometer-thin barrier, membrane proteins shape the membrane and at the same time respond to the shape of the membrane.

This thesis systematically analyzes the physical-chemistry of lipid-graphene interactions with the major objective of reconciliating the variety of results reported in the literature.

Barrier function is the natural role of the skin. The lipid matrix present in the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum is important for this function.

Promotor: J. A. Bouwstra

Like a mixture of oil and water, lipid membranes separate into two liquid phases.

Promotor: Prof.dr. E. Bouwman, Co-promotor: S. Bonnet

Synthesis and application of chemical biology tools to study immunomodulatory signaling lipids.

The skin is our natural barrier and lipids are a key part of this barrier. In the outer skin layer, the stratum corneum (SC), lipids form a densely organized structure dependent on the composition of these lipids.

This thesis focuses on the application of lipid-based nanomedicine in drug delivery, including small molecular antitumor drugs and biomacromolecules including mRNA, and evaluates their biological performance.

The stratum corneum is the outermost skin layer and consists of dead cells embedded in a lipid matrix.

Artificial photosynthesis has recognised potential to produce green and sustainable fuels from earth-abundant resources such as water, carbon dioxide (CO2), and sunlight.

The research described in this thesis shows that hypercholesterolemia, a well-established risk factor for atherosclerosis, can impact skin lipid pool and barrier function already at young age. In the field of atherosclerosis, we showed that the small peptide Lyp-1 can be used as a targeting molecule…

Acute cardiovascular clinical events such as myocardial infarction and cerebral stroke represent the major cause of death in Western societies. These pathologies are primarily resulting from atherosclerosis, a progressive condition characterized by the accumulation of lipids, immune cells, and fibrous…

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most frequent causes of death in the world. The main underlying pathology of cardiovascular diseases is the development of atherosclerosis in the medium and large-sized arteries.

Promotor: J.G.E.M. Fraaije, Co-Promotor: A. Kros

Promotie

Mechanical forces are known to play an important role in bacterial colonies. In this dissertation, we study the self-organization at various stages of growing bacterial colonies, and focus on the mechanical effects of cell growth.

Dit proefschrift beschrijft een collectie aan alternatieve strategieën voor het begrijpen, ontwerpen en toepassen van lipide nanosystemen, waarin de rol van de bio-nano interacties centraal staan. In het bijzonder wordt gekeken naar de interactie van RNA-lipide nanosystemen, bekend van de toepassing…

Governance and Global Affairs, Institute of Security and Global Affairs

Bacteria often experience external challenges, such as changes in environmental conditions or attacks by bacteriophages.

In dit artikel stelt Tom Buitelaar een systematisch kader voor om het effect van individuele kenmerken van vredeshandhavers op het gedrag van grondpersoneel bij VN-vredesoperaties te analyseren.

Promotor: A. Kros, Co-promotor: R.R.C.L. Olsthoorn

Al sinds 1919 strijdt de International Labour Organization (ILO) voor de rechten van werkenden wereldwijd. De Universiteit Leiden is op 7 februari gastvrouw van het symposium waarmee de ILO haar 100-jarig bestaan viert. De Leidse emeritus hoogleraar Internationaal Arbeidsrecht Paul van der Heijden was…

Cholesterol influences many pathways, including serving as precursor for adrenal steroidogenesis. Imbalance of cholesterol levels has been implicated in several diseases including cardiovascular diseases and its underlying pathology, atherosclerosis.

Promotie

Het is onderzoekers voor het eerst gelukt grafeen op een stabiele laag vetten, ofwel lipiden, te plaatsen. Omringd door een beschermende laag van lipiden zou grafeen in het lichaam als een veelzijdige sensor kunnen dienen. De resultaten zijn de eerste stap naar zo’n omhulsel en zijn op 28 september…

De postdoc krijgt de onderscheiding voor haar proefschrift over de rol van Europese Unie-lidstaten bij het voorkomen van mensenrechtenschendingen door bedrijven.

Promotor: A. Kros

Shape and biological function are tightly connected. Physical descriptions are used to connect the shape of a biological system with its function.

Heart failure is a major health care problem with high mortality.

Promotor: A. Kros

A structural investigation of coiled coil peptides used as membrane fusogens, mimicing naturally occuring coiled-coil fusion proteins. Synthetic modifications have been made to alter lipid attachment, secondary structure and to insert photoactive azobenzene moieties for active control over coiled coil…

The research described in this thesis combines the latest insights in lysosomal function with lysosome centred cell signalling.

Farmacoloog Walter Boiten ontwikkelde een nieuwe methode om de hoeveelheid vetten in iemands huid te kunnen bepalen. Met de methode testte hij de effecten van een nieuwe crème die hij ontwikkelde voor eczeempatiënten. De eerste resultaten zijn veelbelovend. Boiten promoveert op 15 januari.

Promotie

The PID-directed shift in PIN polarity has been broadly accepted as one of the essential mechanisms for the regulation of auxin transport polarity.

Wiskunde en Natuurwetenschappen, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR)

Promotor: Prof.dr. E. Bouwman, Co-promotor: S. Bonnet

Phospholipase A/acyltransferase 3 (PLAAT3) and PLAAT4 are enzymes involved in the synthesis of bioactive lipids. Despite sequential and structural similarities, the two enzymes differ in activity and specificity.

Advanced mass spectrometry of glycosphingolipids takes the central stage in this thesis. Investigations focus on characterization of glycosphingolipid metabolism in health and disease with emphasis to the detection and accurate quantitation of known and so far unknown glycosphingolipids and closely…

Promotor: Prof.dr. G.P. van Wezel

Lezing, Studium Generale

Phosphorylation affects all four major biomolecules – proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids – and plays a pivotal role in the most fundamental cellular functions.

Promotie