Projects

The hypothesis of my proposal is that regulation of bacterial physiology by epigenetic regulation of gene expression provided by DNA methylation contributes to the decreased susceptibility towards antimicrobial agents observed in bacterial biofilms. With my research I expect to obtain a fundamental understanding of how DNA methylation contributes to biofilm resistance in complex clinical environments, and I aim to provide proof-of-concept ...

The accessory gene regulator (agr) is a major virulence regulator of Staphylococcus aureus, modulating bacterial virulence factor expression by secretion of auto-inducing peptides (AIPs). In in vitro models and subsequent in vivo rabbit models, the influence of agr expression in S. aureus on nasal colonisation and abscess formation will be evaluated, using an AIP agonist and antagonist.

To capture a multisensory world, our brain is equipped with sensory circuits that do not work in isolation but influence one another. Such cross-talk between sensory systems allows animals to adjust their choices and needs to multisensory input, increasing their survival chance. Yet, the underlying molecular basis remains elusive. In this project, I aim to deliver a much-needed understanding on how neuropeptide signaling in the brain drives ...

Ethylene is a volatile plant hormone that plays a regulatory role in many aspects of vegetative plant growth and development, including the regulation of photosynthesis. It is also regarded as an 'aging' hormone, as it is required for processes such as climacteric fruit ripening, leaf and flower senescence, and abscission. In addition, ethylene is also involved in regulating plant responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses.

It is ...

Insects are among the most successful organisms on the planet. One explanation for their success is their extraordinary ability to successfully consume a wide range of foods. Like all heterotrophic organisms, insects need to acquire vital nutrients from their diet. The central organ for food digestion and absorption of nutrients is the gastrointestinal tract. This organ’s principal functions are to mediate the efficient digestion of food and ...

An efficient method to determine the target genes of transcription factors is lacking in plant molecular research. It is nevertheless important to gain insight into the function of transcription factors, since they are important regulators of biological functions. In this project, a new generic method will be developed to identify target genes of transcription factors in plant cells, based on tandem affinity purification and deep sequencing. ...