Therapy and RNA group Gent
Our mission is to understand and modulate non-coding RNA elements in the human retina to improve vision in inherited blindness.
The Therapy and RNA group Gent (TaRGeT) aims to identify and explore novel non-coding targets for gene therapy in the field of rare diseases, using inherited blindness as a proof of concept. Inherited blindness or inherited retinal disease (IRD) is a major cause of vision loss, affecting over 2 million people worldwide. Given the unique enclosed and immune-privileged nature of the eye, IRD is at the forefront of gene therapy development.
TaRGeT aims to identify novel non-coding targets for gene therapy, shifting focus from DNA to RNA cis-regulatory elements.
We are particularly interested in the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and cis-regulatory elements located in the 5’ untranslated region (5’UTR). LncRNAs are fascinating non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the right time and place, whereas 5’ UTRs are major determinants of post-transcriptional control and translation efficiency. Given the often tissue- and even species-specific function of these elements, we make use of human retinal models including adult post-mortem retina and retinal organoids for identification and functional validation.
In a second research line, we aim to develop new antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) directed against both coding and non-coding targets. ASOs are short, chemically modified oligonucleotides that act at the RNA level and are designed to modulate gene expression. TaRGeT investigates various ASO mechanisms, including RNAse-H1 based mRNA degradation and splice modulation.
We are embedded in the Center for Medical Genetics Ghent and the Ghent University Department of Biomolecular Medicine. In addition, we are part of the European Retinal Disease Consortium (ERDC), two European Doctoral Networks (StarT and ProgRET), and the local RARE-MED and GATE consortia.
News & updates
Check out some highlights and news from our team.
TaRGeT @ the DATS meeting (NL)
Lab member Manon Bouckaert received the 2nd Best Oral Presentation Prize for her excellent presentation on a novel antisense oligonucleotide therapy at […]
TaRGeT @ the ARVO meeting (US)
TaRGeT team members Emma Delanote, Manon Bouckaert and Edith De Bruycker proudly presented their research through engaging poster sessions at the 2024 […]
TaRGeT @ the BeSHG meeting (BE)
Both Emma Delanote and Manon Bouckaert had an excellent oral presentation at the annual meeting of the Belgian Society of Human Genetics […]
Contact us
Our labs are located in the Medical Research Building 1 MRB1 (UZ Gent Campus)
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TaRGeT Group
Center for Medical Genetics Ghent (CMGG),
Ghent University Hospital
Corneel Heymanslaan 10
B-9000 Ghent
Belgium
Entrance 36, ground floor, room 90.53.100.010