Jorg van Loosdregt

Biographical sketch

Jorg van Loosdregt (1981) studied Biomedical Sciences at Utrecht University with a Master 's degree in Biology of Disease at the Utrecht University. In 2005 he joined the Molecular Immunology Lab led by Prof. P.J. Coffer as a PhD student. Here Jorg studied the transcription factor FOXP3 which plays a crucial role in the function and development of regulatory T cells (Treg). He obtained his PhD in 2011 and in the Cell Growth & Differentiation Lab, together with the Department of Pediatric Immunology, is continuing to focus on the molecular regulation of Treg.

Research area

FOXP3 is a transcription factor that is crucial for the development and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Mutations of FOXP3 can lead a disease called IPEX, which is a fatal recessive disorder of humans that develops early in childhood. These patients die due to serious autoimmune disorders caused by a lack of Tregs. Although there have been numerous studies investigating the in vivo role of FOXP3, there are still few clues to the molecular mechanism that underlies its function as a transcription factor. This project aims to investigate the function of FOXP3 at the molecular level with particular focus on regulation by post-translational modifications.

Publications

van Loosdregt J, van Oosterhout MF, Bruggink AH, van Wichen DF, van Kuik J, de Koning E, Baan CC, de Jonge N, Gmelig-Meyling FH, de Weger RA. The chemokine and chemokine receptor profile of infiltrating cells in the wall of arteries with cardiac allograft vasculopathy is indicative of a memory T-helper 1 response. (2006) Circulation 114, 1599–1607.

van Loosdregt, J., Vercoulen, Y., Guichelaar, T., van Gent, Y.J., Beekman, J.M., Brenkman, A.B., Hijnen, D., Mutis, T., Kalkhoven, E., Prakken, B.J. and Coffer, P.J. (2010) Regulation of Treg functionality by acetylation-mediated Foxp3 protein stabilization. Blood 115, 965-974 

Wehrens EJ, Mijnheer G, Duurland CL, Klein M, Meerding J, van Loosdregt J, de  Jager W, Sawitzki B, Coffer PJ, Vastert B, Prakken BJ, van Wijk F. Functional human regulatory T cells fail to control autoimmune inflammation due to PKB/c-akt hyperactivation in effector cells. Blood. 2011 Sep 29;118(13):3538-48.

van Loosdregt J, Brunen D, Fleskens V, Pals CE, Lam EW, Coffer PJ. Rapid temporal control of Foxp3 protein degradation by sirtuin-1. PLoS One. 2011 Apr 20;6(4):e19047.