Comparative (pan)genomics
My research aims to contribute to our understanding of the genotype-phenotype relationship through comparative genomics. We use high-throughput measurements at various omics levels (genome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome) to understand the causal chain leading to the observed variation in phenotype.
Since we are dealing with big data, we need computational tools for the analysis. In my work, both the application and development of computational tools for comparative omics are important aspects. I am particularly interested in early incorporation of biological knowledge in computational analyses.
The focus of my work has been on the evolution of complex eukaryotic genomes. To perform comparative analyses high-quality ingredients are essential. Therefore I am involved in several genome projects, aiming to deliver high-quality reference genomes. Often these are connected to interesting phenotypes, where one species can do a particular trick, while a close relative cannot. Typical questions are: which genetic loci influence the phenotype, how did this trait evolve?
Publications
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Lactuca super-pangenome reduces bias towards reference genes in lettuce research
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Picochlorum sp. BPE23 genome assembly
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Genetic mechanisms underlying increased microalgal thermotolerance, maximal growth rate, and yield on light following adaptive laboratory evolution
BMC Biology (2022), Volume: 20 - ISSN 1741-7007 -
Visual Exploration of Genetic Sequence Variants in Pangenomes
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PanTools v3: functional annotation, classification and phylogenomics
Bioinformatics (2022), Volume: 38, Issue: 18 - ISSN 1367-4803 - p. 4403-4405. -
Integrative pangenome analysis of the Pectobacterium genus
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PanTools
Wageningen: Wageningen University & Research -
Hecaton
Wageningen: Wageningen University & Research -
Computational pan-genomics: status, promises and challenges
Briefings in Bioinformatics (2018), Volume: 19, Issue: 1 - ISSN 1467-5463 - p. 118-135. -
Pangenome analysis and its application on Pectobacterium