Research Focus
Our research team uses yeast as a model to study genetic and epigenetic regulation, inheritance and evolution in eukaryotes. Our research combines theory and experiment, including molecular biology, genetics, synthetic biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and mathematical modeling.
Apart from striving for scientific insight, we are also exploring applications of our findings, most notably by optimizing yeasts for food fermentation (beer, wine, bread, chocolate…), biofuels, bioplastics and production of functional proteins, lipids and other complex biomolecules through precision fermentation and synthetic biology. For more information, please visit the Translational research page, or contact us to discuss possible projects.
We are always looking for motivated and talented scientists to join our team. Please refer to the jobs page for more information on current openings.
- Laboratory of Systems Biology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology
- CMPG Laboratory for Genetics and Genomics, KU Leuven
- Leuven Institute for Beer Research (LIBR)
Fundamental Research
We combine theory and experiment to investigate how biological systems work. We often use the common brewer's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model for more complex eukaryotes; although we are also venturing into research on multicellular organisms, including humans.
Applied Research and Industrial Collaborations
Apart from basic biological research, the lab is also interested in using our expertise to optimize and improve industrial processes, with special emphasis on fermentation. We collaborate with several industrial partners looking for consultancy, quality assurance, improved yeast strains, more efficient fermentation, specific natural aroma's, ...
Selected Publications
-
Michiel Schreurs, Supinya Piampongsant, Miguel Roncoroni, Lloyd Cool, Beatriz Herrera-Malaver, Christophe Vanderaa, Florian A. Theßeling, Łukasz Kreft, Alexander Botzki, Philippe Malcorps, Luk Daenen, Tom Wenseleers & Kevin J. Verstrepen
Nature Communications 2024 ; Article number: 2368
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46346-0
-
Interspecific hybridization facilitates niche adaptation in beer yeast
Brigida Gallone, Jan Steensels, Stijn Mertens, Maria C. Dzialo, Jonathan L. Gordon, Ruben Wauters, Florian A. Theßeling, Francesca Bellinazzo, Veerle Saels, Beatriz Herrera-Malaver, Troels Prahl, Christopher White, Mathias Hutzler, Franz Meußdoerffer, Philippe Malcorps, Ben Souffriau, Luk Daenen, Guy Baele, Steven Maere & Kevin J. Verstrepen
Nature Ecology & Evolution volume 3, pages 1562–1575 (2019)
DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-0997-9
-
Domestication and Divergence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Beer Yeasts
Brigida Gallone, Jan Steensels, Troels Prahl, Leah Soriaga, Veerle Saels, Beatriz Herrera-Malaver, Adriaan Merlevede , Miguel Roncoroni, Karin Voordeckers, Loren Miraglia, Clotilde Teiling, Brian Steffy, Maryann Taylor, Ariel Schwartz, Toby Richardson, Christopher White, Guy Baele, Steven Maere & Kevin J. Verstrepen
Cell. 2016 Sep 8; 166(6): 1397–1410.e16.
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2016.08.020
