Developed skills and lines of research

Professor Hugo de Jonge passed away in June 2022.

He earned his degree in Biochemistry from the Free University of Amsterdam and his PhD from Erasmus University in Rotterdam in 1976. After various international experiences, he became first an Associate and then a Full Professor of Biochemistry at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Rotterdam.

From 2011 onward, he continued his studies at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Erasmus Medical Center. During his research on the regulation mechanisms of ion transport in epithelial cells, he discovered, cloned, and characterized several key signaling enzymes involved in diarrheal diseases and identified their primary molecular target, the CFTR channel.

A significant goal of the research group he founded was the in vivo rescue of mutant-CFTR function in cystic fibrosis mice through pharmacological approaches and the ex vivo testing of promising drugs using bioelectric assays on rectal biopsies and nasal mucosa, as well as fluid transport assays in intestinal organoids derived from cystic fibrosis patients.

Projects funded by FFC Ricerca as Principal Investigator or as Research Manager

FFC#3/2015
Assessment and pharmacological correction of abnormalities in bicarbonate (HCO3-) and mucus transport in intestinal biopsies and organoids of CF patients

Projects financed by FFC Ricerca as a partner

FFC#9/2020
Theratyping of rare CFTR genotypes for treatment with CFTR modulators

FFC#5/2020
Intestinal organoids for assessment and pharmacological correction of abnormalities in fluid transport and anion currents in patients affected by pancreatitis

FFC#3/2014
Testing CFTR in epithelial organoids for drug development and diagnosis of cystic fibrosis

FFC#4/2013
CFTR in epithelial organoids: relevance for drug development and diagnosis of cystic fibrosis