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Our laboratory focuses its activities on the study of drugs (with special emphasis on anti-infective drugs) in a broad context.

The Team consists of approx. 20 scientists, 4 technicians, 1 half-time secretary, and students

Research activities include:
  • Laboratory Research examines the interactions between antiinfective agents (mainly antibiotics) and eucaryotic cells within a context of cellular and molecular pharmacology and toxicology. Disciplines and methodologies used span from Biophysics and Cellular and Molecular Biology to Morphology and Animal Trials.  New, original molecules are either designed and synthesized or screened from natural sources
    .
  • Clinical Research aims at improving the use of antibiotics in the hospital set-up, based usually but not exclusively on pharmacodynamic considerations and starting from original experimental research in this area.  

    Note: Clinical Pharmacy, launched in 2001, is now organized as the Centre for Clinical Pharmacy (with a research group part of the Louvain Drug Research Institute)

Educational activities are undertaken within the context of the the Information Center on Infective Pathology and Anti-infective Chemotherapy, the Séminaire de Pathologie Infectieuse, the Belgian Antibiotic Policy Coordination Committee, the Belgian Society of Infectiology and Clinical Microbiology, and the International society for Antiinfective Pharmacology.

Contract-based research and educational activities are undertaken in each of these areas.


Science and Education
Contact and Relations

Main Themes of research

  1. Laboratory research
  2. Clinical research

    • Clinical evaluation of the new therapeutics approaches (aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, vancomycin) (under construction)

  3. Clinical Pharmacy (launched in 2001)
    This activity has now evolved on its own, while maintaining strong links with our researcxh group
    Please, visit the WEB site of the     Centre for Clinical Pharmacy (CFCL)

Expertise (available for contract-based activities) 
  • Laboratory  research
    • in vitro studies of drug-membrane interactions (biophysical and biochemical studies)
    • in vitro (cellular models) of antibiotic activity in intracellular infections (cellular pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics)
    • in vitro (cellular and a-cellular models) and in vivo (animal models) evaluation of antibiotic safety
    • rational design and synthesis of new antimicrobials
    • phenotypic and genotypic methods for the search of resistance by efflux in human pathogens

  • Clinical trials and assessment of benefit/risk ratio of antibiotics: 
    • pharmacodynamics and toxicodynamics-based new approaches for antibiotic dosing
    • new drug trials
    • litterature and database analysis (for registration and regulatory affairs purposes)

  • Educational activities
    • workshop and conferences on pharmacodynamics, resistance and appropriate choice of antiinfective agents
    • interactive sessions about the appropriate use of drugs for medical and pharmaceutical audiences
    • private courses for Industry

Publications (asbtracts and full text available for the most recents)
  • list of all papers by categories 
    • original contributions, reviews, books, chapter of books, proceedings, PhD and Master degree dissertations, educational papers, published abstracts 
  • indexed search 
    • by author, year, journal, type of publication, keywords

Educational activities

Contacts:

Address and  access:

Location:

The Unit is located on the campus of the Health Sciences Sector (Secteur des Sciences de la Santé) of the Catholic University of Louvain (Université catholique de Louvain) in Brussels (Woluwé Saint-Lambert; approx. 10km [7 mi.] from the city center). Access: Directions and Access Maps (car - train and subway - plane) - Find us on Google maps (will open a new tab)
Team (Last update: March 2, 2012) -- see photo of most of the members of the lab during our last social activity (visiting Bruges on July 4, 2007) and on Christmas parties (2007; 2008; 2009; 2010; 2011)
 

Phone numbers: if calling from

  • within the Faculty of Medicine and the Cliniques universitaires St-Luc (at Woluwé-St-Lambert): dial only the last 4 digits
  • within the University (from Louvain-la-Neuve): dial 7 and the last 4 digits
  • from anywhere else in Belgium: dial 02 followed by the 7 digits number shown hereunder (thus 9 digits in total)
  • from outside Belgium: dial your International Access Code (IAC) followed by 322 (Belgium-Brussels) followed immediatly by the 7 digits number shown hereunder (thus 10 digits in total after your IAC)
E-mails: as from July 2007, the University uses a new adressing system (<first_name.last_name@uclouvain.be>), which is in use for all addresses created since then. However, all former addresses (using <name@facm.ucl.ac.be> ) as shown hereunder are still working and can be used.
Click here (http://www.uclouvain.be/en-repertoire-personnel.html) if you wish to get e-mail adresses using the new adressing system.

Scientific Staff

Senior investigators (click on the name to get a C.V.)

 
 
 
  • Professor (invited) Paul M. Tulkens (MD, PhD), founder of the Unit
    764.73.71 (University switchboard) -     direct line: from Belgium: 02-762.21.36 - from abroad: dial your international access code and then 3227622136
    <tulkens@facm.ucl.ac.be    >

Junior Investigators

Eugénie Basseres, France (PhD)
764.73.56
<eugenie.basseres@uclouvain.be>		 research topic: Impact of antibiotic resistance and bacterial virulence on biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa
general theme: Antibiotic efflux and permeability resistance mechanisms | Chemotherapy of intracellular infection
support: Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S.-FNRS)
Hayet Bensikaddour, France (PhD)
764.72.25
<hayet.bensikaddour@facm.ucl.ac.be>		 research topic: interactions of antibiotics with membranes
general theme: Molecular analysis and pharmacological significance of drug-membrane interactions
support: Université catholique de Louvain
Julien Buyck, France (PhD)
764.72.37
<julien.buyck@uclouvain.be>		 research topic: cellular pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antibiotics in in vitro models of cystic fibrosis
general theme: Antibiotic efflux and permeability resistance mechanisms | Chemotherapy of intracellular infection
support: Région Wallonne in connection with SMB-Galephar
Debaditya Das, India (PhD)
764.72.25
<debaditya.das@uclouvain.be> 		research topic: cellular toxicity of novel ketolides and polymyxins
general theme: Chemotherapy of intracellular infection
support: Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S.-FNRS)
Sandrine Lemaire, Belgium (PhD)
764.72.37
<sandrine.lemaire@facm.ucl.ac.be>		 research topic: factors modulating the activity of antibiotics in models of intracellular infections with S. aureus
general theme: Chemotherapy of intracellular infection
support: Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S.-FNRS)
Guillaume Sautrey, France (PhD)
764.73.75
<guillaume.sautrey@uclouvain.be>		 research topic: mode of action of new aminoglycoside derivatives
general theme: Molecular analysis and pharmacological significance of drug-membrane interactions
support: Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S.-FNRS)
Wafi Siala, Tunisie (PhD)
764.72.37
<wafi.siala@uclouvain.be>		 research topic: activity of antibiotics and biocides against biofilms of S. aureus
general theme: Chemotherapy of intracellular infection
support: Région bruxelloise/Brusselse Gewest (Prospective Research for Brussels)

Els Ampe, Pharm, Belgium
(PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences)
764.72.25
<els.ampe@facm.ucl.ac.be>

 research topic: development of clinical pharmacy approaches (opimization of drug monitoring)
general theme: Clinical Evaluation of the new therapeutics approaches and Clinical Pharmacy
support: Université catholique de Louvain
Ahalieyah Anantharajah, Pharm, France
(PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences)
764.73.76
<ahalieyah.anantharajah@uclouvain.be> 		research topic: new therapeutic strategies against intracellular Pseudomonas
general theme: Antibiotic efflux and permeability resistance mechanisms
support: Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S.-FNRS)

Ana Bastos, Pharm, Portugal
(PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences)
764.72.37
<ana.bastos@uclouvain.be>

research topic: development of clinical pharmacy approaches (opimization of beta-lactam mode of administration)
general theme: Clinical evaluation of new approaches in antibiotic dosing and Clinical Pharmacy
support: Université catholique de Louvain
Sophie Denamur (MSc), Belgium
(PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences)
764.73.76
<sophie.j.denamur@.uclouvain.be>

research topic: molecular mechanims of aminoglycoside-induced apoptosis
general theme: cellular toxicity induced by antibiotics and other drugs
support: Université catholique de Louvain

Laetitia Garcia, MSc, Belgium
(PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences)
764.73.56
<laetitia.garcia@uclouvain.be>

research topic: cellular pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antibiotics in in vitro models of cystic fibrosis
general theme: Antibiotic efflux and permeability resistance mechanisms; Chemotherapy of intracellular infection
support: Fonds pour la Recherche dans l'Industrie et l'Agriculture (FRIA)

Ann Lismond, MSc, Belgium
(PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences)
764.72.25
<ann.lismond@facm.ucl.ac.be>

 research topic: biological aspects of efflux-mediated resistance in community-acquired and nosocomial pneumonia
general theme: Antibiotic efflux and permeability resistance mechanisms
support: private funds
Joseph Lorent, Pharm, Belgium
(PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences)
764.73.75
<joseph.lorent@cham.ucl.ac.be>		 research topic: Mechanisms of apoptosis induced by plant extracts
general theme: Cellular toxicity induced by antibiotics and other drugs
support: Université catholique de Louvain
Coralie Vallet, MSc, France
(PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences)
764.72.37
<coralie.vallet@uclouvain.be>		 research topic: fluoroquinolones efflux in eucaryotic cells
general theme: Antibiotic efflux and permeability resistance mechanisms
support: Fonds pour la Recherche dans l'Industrie et l'Agriculture (FRIA)

Nathalie Vandevelde, Pharm, Belgium
(PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences)
764.73.56
<nathalie.vandevelde@uclouvain.be>

research topic: antibiotic activity in models of persistent infections by S. pneumoniae in the context of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
general theme: Antibiotic efflux and permeability resistance mechanisms and Chemotherapy of intracellular infection
support: Fonds pour la Recherche dans l'Industrie et l'Agriculture (FRIA)

Marthe Abouzi, Togo
764.73.56
<edede.abouzi@student.uclouvain.be>

research topic: Mechanisms of apoptosis induced by plant extracts
general theme: Cellular toxicity induced by antibiotics and other drugs
Student in pharmacy

Fadoua Benali, Marocco
764.73.56

research topic: mode of action of new aminoglycoside derivatives
general theme: Molecular analysis and pharmacological significance of drug-membrane interactions
Bachelor in medical biology

Lidivine Boland, Belgium
764.73.75
<lidivine.boland@student.uclouvain.be>

research topic: Mechanisms of apoptosis induced by plant extracts
general theme: Cellular toxicity induced by antibiotics and other drugs
Student in pharmacy

Emma Bond, UK
764.72.37

research topic: development of clinical pharmacy approaches (opimization of beta-lactam mode of administration)
general theme: Clinical evaluation of new approaches in antibiotic dosing and Clinical Pharmacy
Student in pharmacy; Erasmus

Alicia Delbar, Belgium
764.73.76
<alicia.delbar@student.uclouvain.be>

 research topic: molecular mechanims of aminoglycoside-induced apoptosis
general theme: cellular toxicity induced by antibiotics and other drugs
Student in toxicology
Julien Duhoux, Belgium
764.72.37

research topic: new therapeutic strategies against P. aeruginosa
general theme: Antibiotic efflux and permeability resistance mechanisms
Bachelor in medical biology

Hugues Jacqmin, Belgium
764.72.37
<hugues.jacqmin@student.uclouvain.be>

 research topic: new therapeutic strategies against intracellular P. aeruginosa
general theme: Chemotherapy of intracellular infection
Student in pharmacy
Axel Lambert, Belgium
764.72.25
<axel.lambert@student.uclouvain.be>

research topic: cellular pharmacokinetics and toxicity of new antibiotics
general themes: Cellular toxicity induced by antibiotics and other drugs
Student in toxicology
Aurélie Mélard, Belgium
764.73.76
<aurelie.melard@student.uclouvain.be> 		research topic: activity of antibiotics in models of persitent infections by S. aureus
general theme: Chemotherapy of intracellular infection
Master in experimental biomedical sciences
Saleheh Panahandeh, Iran
764.72.25		 research topic: mode of action of new antibiotics
general theme: Molecular analysis and pharmacological significance of drug-membrane interactions
Pharmacist
Ma Irene Rodriguez-Sanchez, Spain
764.73.76
<m.rodriguez@student.uclouvain.be>		 research topic: molecular mechanims of aminoglycoside-induced apoptosis
general theme: cellular toxicity induced by antibiotics and other drugs
Student in pharmacy; Erasmus
Morgane Van Obbergh, Belgium
764.73.56
<morgane.vanobbergh@student.uclouvain.be>		 research topic: antibiotic activity in models of persistent infections by S. pneumoniae in the context of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
general theme: Antibiotic efflux and permeability resistance mechanisms and Chemotherapy of intracellular infection
Student in pharmacy

Sumalee Wongpramud, Thailand
764.73.75

research topic: activity of antibiotics and biocides against persistent forms of infections par S. aureus
general theme: Chemotherapy of intracellular infection
Bachelor in chemistry

Technical and Administrative Staff

Marie-Claire Cambier (full-time 1st Head Technician)
764.73.75
<cambier@facm.ucl.ac.be>		 main techniques: cell culture, microbiology
support: Université catholique de Louvain
Nathalie Couwenbergh (full-time technician)
764.73.75
<nathalie.couwenbergh@facm.ucl.ac.be>		 main techniques: HPLC, microbiology, molecular biology
support: Eumedica/Belpharma, Brussels and La Louvière, Belgium

Ozlem Misir (half-time technician)
764.73.76
<ozlem.misir@uclouvain.be>

 main techniques: biochemistry, microbiology
support: Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique Médicale (FRSM)
Virginie Mohymont (full-time technician)
764.73.70
<virginie.mohymont@facm.ucl.ac.be>		 main activities: secretarial and administrative tasks; biochemistry and molecular biology
support: Université catholique de Louvain
Katia Santos Saial (full technician)
764.73.56
<katia.santossaial@uclouvain.be>

main activities: microbiology, biochemistry
support: Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique Médicale (FRSM)

Former Staff Members, Post-doctoral fellows,Visiting Scientists, Doctoral fellows, Non-doctoral fellows, and Students

by chronological order of joining the laboratory and with the following information by order: Name, degree when joining the Unit, Country/State, period of stay, position(s) held, main and/or final degree earned if any, source(s) of financing

Former staff members

Post-doctoral fellows

Visiting scientits

Doctoral fellows

Non-doctoral fellows

Students

Former Technical and Administrative Staff

by chronological order of leaving the laboratory

  Francine Andries Epse Renoird
(1st Head Technician)		 main activities: biochemistry, electron microscopy, training of new fellows, accounting

started: 1970
left: 2006
  Olga Meert (1st Technician) main activities: general maintenance

started: 1991
left: 2007
  Jonathan Gesels (technician) main activities: serotyping by molecular biology techniques started: 2009
left: 2010
  Martial Vergauwen (technician)

main techniques: biophysics, biochemistry, cell fractionation

 started: 2004
left: 2011
  Charlotte Misson (technician)

main techniques: biochemistry, microbiology

started: 2006
left: 2011

Financing

Special Events

(by chronological order since 1997)