Elien Alderweireldt

Dr. Elien Alderweireldt

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 February 2022 in Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
EAElien Alderweireldt
Elien Alderweireldt
CGCharlotte Grootaert
Charlotte Grootaert
OWOlivier De Wever
Olivier De Wever
JCJohn Van Camp
John Van Camp

12 May 2025 in Foods
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
TMThomas Montebugnoli
Thomas Montebugnoli
CGCharlotte staalregister Cell lines Charlotte Grootaert
Charlotte staalregister Cell lines Charlotte Grootaert
Alessandra BordoniAlessandra Bordoni
Alessandra Bordoni
Andreja RajkovicAndreja Rajkovic
Andreja Rajkovic
EAElien Alderweireldt
Elien Alderweireldt
MMMaarten Lieven De Mol
Maarten Lieven De Mol
Iminosugars have a carbohydrate-like backbone in which the ring oxygen is replaced by nitrogen. They are naturally found in foods such as rice, buckwheat, mulberries, and fermented vegetables, and are reported to exert anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hyperglycemic effects due to the inhibition of cellular glycosidases. This mechanism suggests their potential role in cancer treatment and prevention. In this study, two natural iminosugars, D-fagomine (FGM) and 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), and their synthetic derivatives were screened for potential anticancer properties using Caco-2 and HCT-116 cells as models for the early and late stages of colon cancer, respectively. Iminosugars were found to decrease cell viability, with effects varying based on the type of iminosugar, cell type, growth condition (glucose concentration), exposure time (1 vs. 13 days), and tissue architecture (monolayer vs. spheroid). The combined use of innovative techniques, such as IncuCyte® live cell imaging and Seahorse real-time cellular metabolic analysis, and microscopic observation after staining enabled us to detect changes in substrate utilization for energy metabolism, including increased glycolysis and alterations in lipid and glycogen stores. The evidence that iminosugars, both natural and synthetic, influence cellular bioenergetics paves the way for their potential use in various applications, including cancer treatment.

27 August 2026 in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
EAElien Alderweireldt
Elien Alderweireldt
LWLukas Wimmer
Lukas Wimmer
CGCharlotte Grootaert
Charlotte Grootaert
CBCatoo Billiet
Catoo Billiet
LDLea Ann Dailey
Lea Ann Dailey
ARAndreja Rajkovic
Andreja Rajkovic