Raphaëlle Lesage

Associate Researcher

Project Title

Computational modeling to integrate knowledge underlying chondrocyte differentiation and help identifying new therapeutic targets for inhibition of osteoarthritis or stimulation of bone repair

Research Interests

  • in silico medicine
  • Systems Biology
  • Regulatory Network modelling
  • Computational Biology / Bioinformatics
  • Tissue Engineering
  • Osteoarhtritis

Project Summary

An in silico intracellular regulatory model of chondrogenic differentiation will be extended to integrate data obtained in the ‘CarBon’ MCSA project. We aim to understand the interplay between different biological components and biomechanical factors in the onset and progression of endochondral ossification as well as on the pathological differentiation of chondrocyte occurring in adult articular cartilage. The ultimate goal of this project is the development of a tool that can be used both to investigate fundamental questions on osteoarthritis and bone healing but also to suggest potential therapeutic strategies that might be used for inhibition of osteoarthritis or for stimulation of bone repair.

Educational Records

  • Bioengineering diploma with a major in Bioinformatics and modeling for Biology from the Polytechnic engineering school of Nice University.

Publications

  • Lesage, R., Kerkhofs, J., & Geris, L. G. (2018). Computational modeling and reverse engineering to reveal dominant regulatory interactions controlling osteochondral differentiation: potential for regenerative medicine. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 6, 165. https://doi.org/10.3389/FBIOE.2018.00165
  • Nielsen, F. M., Riis, S. E., Andersen, J. I., Lesage, R., Fink, T., Pennisi, C. P., & Zachar, V. (2016). Discrete adipose-derived stem cell subpopulations may display differential functionality after in vitro expansion despite convergence to a common phenotype distribution. Stem Cell Research and Therapy, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-016-0435-8

Contact

raphaelle.lesage [at] kuleuven.be

Prometheus – Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering. KU Leuven | U.Z Leuven Gasthuisberg| O&N 1, +10. Herestraat 49, box 813. 3000 Leuven