• Bioinformatics
• Single cell RNA sequencing
• Spatial transcriptomics
• Bone fracture healing
• Lymphatic vessels
• Limb development

Independent living is an important part of healthy aging and is highly dependent on mobility and mental health. Mobility is largely determined by the musculoskeletal system, which deteriorates with age. In addition, the loss of mobility implies secondary morbidities such as obesity, type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease, leading to increased mortality. One of the most common reasons for hospitalization due to skeletal problems is bone fractures. That is why understanding and the ability to guide the bone repair process is so important. Our understanding of bone repair at the molecular and cellular level is still incomplete. The aim of this project is to create a tissue engineering based solution that would improve the clinical outcome in elderly patients. To this end, we will map the events that take place during bone regeneration at the level of an individual cell, and compare them with biological development processes. Our innovative strategy is based on the comprehensive analysis of regeneration in a more clinically relevant non-union model, including the ignition phase. We will strive to use the knowledge obtained from these analysis to use cartilaginous organoids for reengineering a ‘callus’ implant for the healing of these non-union bone fractures.

Since September 2023

MSc in Biomedical Sciences, 2023
KU Leuven, Belgium
Thesis: “Identifying molecular interactions in limb development through multiomics analysis”

BSc in Biomedical Sciences, 2021
KU Leuven, Belgium

List of publications

tom.verbraeken [at] kuleuven.be

Tissue Engineering Unit
Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center
Onderwijs en Navorsing 1, +10
Herenstraat 49
3000 Leuven

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