Research focus
The study of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that determine growth in Arabidopsis, Brassica and maize, using the leaf as experimental system - i.e. upstream signaling and downstream targets of chromatin-modifying complexes that impact growth and their cross-talk with the environment. Developmental, metabolic and physiological pathways contribute to the complex trait of growth in plants. Their transcriptional or translational control mechanisms are well-studied; however, much less is known about their epigenetic regulation. Indeed, the histone code and the genomic DNA methylation state also regulate gene expression levels and depend on internal and external cues. In the ’Chromatin and Growth Control’ research unit, headed by Mieke Van Lijsebettens, the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that determine growth are being studied in Arabidopsis and Brassica, using the leaf as experimental system. The work focuses on the upstream signaling and downstream targets of chromatin-modifying complexes that impact growth, in order to gain basic insight into their molecular networks. The cross-talk between the chromatin-modifying complexes and the environment is also investigated in order to identify the molecular determinants of the plasticity of growth. Efficient transformation of maize has been achieved, and will be used for translational research in the C4 grass model.
Publications
Plant Elongator regulates auxin-related genes during RNA polymerase II transcription elongationNelissen H, De Groeve S, Fleury D, Neyt P, Bruno L, Bitonti M, Vandenbussche F, Van Der Straeten D, Yamaguchi T, Tsukaya H, Witters E, De Jaeger G, Houben A, Van Lijsebettens MPROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 107, 1678-83, 2010 The transcript elongation factor FACT affects Arabidopsis vegetative and reproductive development and genetically interacts with HUB1/2Lolas I, Himanen K, Gronlund J, Lynggaard C, Houben A, Melzer M, Van Lijsebettens M, Grasser KPLANT JOURNAL, 61, 686-697, 2010 The RON1/FRY1/SAL1 gene is required for leaf morphogenesis and venation patterning in ArabidopsisRobles P, Fleury D, Candela H, Cnops G, Alonso-Peral M, Anami S, Falcone A, Caldana C, Willmitzer L, Ponce M, Van Lijsebettens M, Micol JPLANT PHYSIOLOGY, 152, 1357-72, 2010 The Arabidopsis thaliana homolog of yeast BRE1 has a function in cell cycle regulation during early leaf and root growthFleury D, Himanen K, Cnops G, Nelissen H, Boccardi T, Maere S, Beemster G, Neyt P, Anami S, Robles P, Micol J, Inzé D, Van Lijsebettens MPLANT CELL, 19, 417-32, 2007 The TORNADO1 and TORNADO2 genes function in several patterning processes during early leaf development in Arabidopsis thalianaCnops G, Neyt P, Raes J, Petrarulo M, Nelissen H, Malenica N, Luschnig C, Tietz O, Ditengou F, Palme K, Azmi A, Prinsen E, Van Lijsebettens MPlant Cell, 18, 852-66, 2006
News
21/09/2011 - Using epigenetics and computational biology, the scientists will develop new molecular breeding tools. The results of the studies will be made public in scientific journals.
15/09/2011 - The rapidly growing population, accelerating climate change and a rush on biofuels are pushing plant breeders to look for crops with higher yields. Basic research into plant processes by academic and industrial scientists plays a key role.
 Mieke Van LijsebettensResearch area(s)Model organism(s)BioPh.D.: Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium, 1984 VIB Group Leader since 1998 Contact Info
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