Publications by authors named "Bieke Bekaert"

Human germline gene correction by targeted nucleases holds great promise for reducing mutation transmission. However, recent studies have reported concerning observations in CRISPR-Cas9-targeted human embryos, including mosaicism and loss of heterozygosity (LOH). The latter has been associated with either gene conversion or (partial) chromosome loss events.

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Purpose: Providing additional insights on the efficacy of human nuclear transfer (NT). Here, and earlier, NT has been applied to minimize transmission risk of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diseases. NT has also been proposed for treating infertility, but it is still unclear which infertility indications would benefit.

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To engineer tissues with clinically relevant dimensions by three-dimensional bioprinting, an extended vascular network with diameters ranging from the macro- to micro-scale needs to be integrated. Extrusion-based bioprinting is the most commonly applied bioprinting technique but due to the limited resolution of conventional bioprinters, the establishment of a microvascular network for the transfer of oxygen, nutrients and metabolic waste products remains challenging. To answer this need, this study assessed the potential and processability of spheroids, containing a capillary-like network, to be used as micron-sized prevascularized units for incorporation throughout the bioprinted construct.

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Synopsis of recent research by authors named "Bieke Bekaert"

  • - Bieke Bekaert's research focuses on advanced biotechnological techniques, particularly the use of CRISPR-Cas9 for human germline gene correction and the implications of genetic interventions such as mosaicism and loss of heterozygosity in human embryos.
  • - Her studies also investigate human germline nuclear transfer to address mitochondrial diseases and infertility, highlighting the potential of this technique in reducing DNA disease transmission and its applications in reproductive medicine.
  • - Additionally, Bekaert explores tissue engineering through 3D bioprinting, specifically developing prevascularized spheroids to create efficient microvascular networks for engineered tissues, addressing challenges in nutrient and waste transfer in biofabricated constructs.