A. M. Blom

Hypoxia-induced Complement Component 3 Promotes Aggressive Tumor Growth in the Glioblastoma Microenvironment

This study identifies hypoxia-induced complement component 3 (C3) as a driver of aggressive glioblastoma growth by promoting cell proliferation and radio-resistance.

Identification of an osteopontin-derived peptide that binds neuropilin-1 and activates vascular cells

This paper identifies FOL-026, an osteopontin-derived peptide that binds neuropilin-1 and activates vascular cells, mimicking VEGF effects and showing potential for vascular repair.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae co-opts C4b-binding protein to enhance complement-independent survival from neutrophils

This study shows that Neisseria gonorrhoeae uses C4b-binding protein to survive neutrophil attacks without complement involvement, enhancing its persistence in human mucosal environments.

The structure of insulin granule core determines secretory capacity being reduced in type-2 diabetes

The paper investigates the structure of insulin granule cores and shows that their size reduction in type-2 diabetes correlates with impaired insulin secretion.

Host tropism determination by convergent evolution of immunological evasion in the Lyme disease system

The paper identifies CspA as a determinant of host tropism in Lyme disease bacteria, showing convergent evolution drives transmission differences among vertebrates.

Host specialization in microparasites transmitted by generalist vectors: insights into the cellular and immunological mechanisms

This study investigates host specialization in Lyme disease bacteria by testing different genotypes in reservoir hosts, finding that bacterial persistence depends on adhesion and immune evasion traits.