QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF VIB. VIBTIMES DECEMBER 2016

20 Years VIB: science meets life

Rudy Dekeyser: alumnus on a VIB research may lead to Big entrances and mission for better science effective Alzheimer’s therapies venerable exits 20 YEARS VIB 20 years of VIB: achieving excellence and maintaining it 4 Excellence in scientific research as one of the spearheads for creating a strong Flemish economy In 20 years of VIB, we have come a tremendous way. When we kicked off 6 Going beyond borders to take VIB research to new heights in 1996, nobody would have dared to suspect that our achievements would 8 Science meets life be internationally acclaimed as they are today. And although the research 12 Rudy Dekeyser: alumnus on a mission for better science institutes that served as VIB’s foundations already enjoyed worldwide 14 Shaping the future at VIB’s second postdoc event fame at the time, it is clear that VIB has been – and still is – a strong 16 VIB Alumni Award 2017: now accepting nominations catalyst to ensuring that the huge potential of biotechnological research 17 Basic research: where curiosity leads to groundbreaking innovation in Flanders thrives. 18 Structural biology elevates basic research to a higher plane 20 Sharing resources is at the ‘core’ of excellent science When our founding fathers Jo Bury and Rudy Dekeyser undertook the 22 Stimulating international diversity to drive excellent science mammoth task of putting Flanders on the global biotech map, they set 23 VIB’s PhD scholarships: three recent international hits up a board of directors consisting of several delegations representing On roots & wings: breeding a generation of scientists at VIB government, universities and industry. I belonged to the latter as the CEO of 24 Janssen Pharmaceutica, which gave me a front seat in witnessing how VIB’s 26 VIB scarf basic research could contribute over the years to a gradual yet massive 27 Twitter wall #20yrsVIB change in our pharmaceutical and medical landscape. This contribution is, as we all know, one of VIB’s strong points. And the urgency to add societal value will only increase. If we take a look at today’s global challenges, SCIENCE our added value lies in three domains: medical innovations to improve 28 Plant peptides: keys to understanding plant growth healthcare, plant science for sustainable food production, and industrial and stress responses applications that can strengthen our economic fabric. 29 VIB papers get a popularity boost: highly-cited works on the rise 30 Maize team To further accelerate the valorization of scientific insights, VIB has set up 31 VIB research may lead to effective Alzheimer’s therapies close collaborations that fall into two distinct categories. On the one hand, 32 Ghent-based researchers are the cream of the crop we are joining forces with other Flemish and international research groups in rheumatology to share technological and scientific expertise – after all, collaborations 34 Diverse VIB team investigates the possibilities of plant proteins are the key to great scientific breakthroughs. On the other hand, our Tech 36 The synapse series: how Patrik Verstreken’s basic research Transfer team is proactively reaching out to corporate partners to establish advances multiple fields industry collaborations. In some cases, VIB is even the cradle of new spins- 38 Three steps add up to one substantial leap in cancer offs. Further on in this issue of VIBnews, you will read about a few fine metabolism research examples of recent research that has been taken to the next level. 40 How our Switch Lab plans to catch tumors in a spider’s web But even with the greatest ambitions and waterproof strategic plans, 42 Quickscan excellent science always starts on a personal level. Ideas are conceived by the brains of creative individuals with relentless determination. But execution always requires teamwork – preferably when heterogeneous TECHNOLOGY perspectives and expertise are brought to the table. I think that VIB has 44 Tech Watch: single cell technologies found a great model in which its complementary departments and teams operate and report. This diversity, of which I’m an ardent advocate, is also reflected in the dozens of nationalities at VIB. On page 26, you will read BUSINESS more about our international recruiting programs – and how they lead to 45 AgroSavfe’s designer proteins for crop protection prove their worth unique insights. 46 VIB Tech transfer takes research to private partners and beyond

Speaking of VIB’s foreign researchers, they naturally find themselves immersed in our typical Flemish habits and mindsets after a while. And PEOPLE no doubt it must have struck them that we are quite a humble people. We 48 Big entrances and venerable exits at VIB don’t really like showoffs. But in my own (humble) opinion, we can take 52 Awards en grants great pride in our achievements. We are playing at the top of the league here, which is why we should also set the bar high, publicly express our ambitions and claim the necessary resources. After all, that is the only way STAF VAN REET we can maintain excellence in research and valorization. EVENTS The former CEO and Head of R&D Janssen Pharmaceutica, is 55 Picture report 20 years VIB now managing director of Viziphar Biosciences, a consultancy 56 VIB Biotech Tour and support company in the life sciences sector. Staf Van Reet serves as an industry delegate in the VIB board of directors. 58 VIB Conferences: Revolutionizing Next-Generation Sequencing 60 Calender Minister Muyters, how did you still. We may be at the top now, but overseas to bring specialized get to know VIB? it takes continuous effort to stay knowledge to Flanders if needed. “I first came into contact with VIB there. That involves making hard during my days at the Social and choices about individual research A second challenge is to further Economic Council of Flanders (SERV) lines while paying close attention refine the expertise of knowledge and later as Managing Director to new interdisciplinary fields. We workers after they’ve graduated. of VOKA, the Flemish Chamber also have to find ways to further Again, I see an enormous advan- of Commerce. Of course, I got to reduce the risks of basic research. If tage in the close proximity of our know the institute a lot better when we really pave the way and prepare educational centers and research I joined the Flemish government optimally for technology transfer, it institutions. There is always a high in 2009. What remained constant is likely to generate more value. As probability that a specific speciali- during all those years is the image of a result, investing in a professional zation or postgraduate program is a very dynamic and internationally- team of tech transfer specialists offered somewhere in Flanders. competitive organization.” is essential.” I firmly believe in VIB’s strategic When VIB was founded in 1995, the Do you think Discovery Sciences, plan for the future which should translation of academic knowledge VIB’s strategic initiative that aims enable the institute to contribute into tangible benefits for society was to increase the success rate of even more to society. I’m therefore lagging behind in Flanders. How far translational research, will play a big pleased that, together with the have we come since then? part in this de-risking? entire Flemish Government, I can “I think Flanders should be proud “Discovery sciences is a great announce a substantial rise in the Philippe Muyters of what its research institutions concept. Given the extremely annual grant for VIB which will allow have achieved in recent decades. long development phases for new them to implement some new The concentration of knowledge in therapies, talking to interested initiatives described in a small but central region, where parties requires perfect preparation their strategy.” several universities and research and real data that has been gathered institutes are less than a hundred through clinical testing or breeding kilometers apart, clearly gives us experiments. I’m convinced that an enormous advantage. Having Discovery Sciences will contribute to EXCELLENCE IN SCIENTIFIC such a strong biotech cluster not the translation of basic research into only puts Flanders on the map for potential applications.” international high-tech companies, RESEARCH AS ONE OF THE it also offers an attractive habitat for A knowledge economy also needs I firmly believe in top scientists.” specialized knowledge workers. What are the challenges in this area? VIB’s strategic Is Flanders ahead of the pack when “For several years now, we have SPEARHEADS FOR CREATING A it comes to combining basic research been encouraging students to plan for the future with technology transfer? enroll in studies in the areas of “There is definitely a lot of interest science, technology, engineering and which should enable in the VIB model abroad. Some mathematics (STEM). An investment STRONG FLEMISH ECONOMY countries are wondering how they we absolutely need to continue. the institute to can launch a similar institute, so On the other hand, life sciences we’ve definitely hit upon a good is a very international field, which contribute even The Flanders coalition agreement of 2014-2019 states that Flanders should be one of the top five European regions by 2020. formula. However, we can’t forget means that our research institutions This target acts as a compass for the policy of Philippe Muyters, Flemish Minister for Work, Economy, Innovation and Sports. that other countries are not standing and companies should also recruit more to society.

20 Years VIB 5 VIB’S 8 THEMATICAL RESEARCH CENTERS

GOING BEYOND BORDERS TO TAKE VIB RESEARCH TO NEW HEIGHTS

Jo Bury and Johan Cardoen

Since it was established over two decades ago, VIB has dedicated itself to groundbreaking basic research in life sciences. Relentless acquisition of the world’s most promising talent and pursuit of pure science has propelled it to its current position as a world-leading life sciences knowledge center. We had a talk with Jo Bury and Johan Cardoen, our Managing Directors.

From the start, it was clearly stated that VIB was not to take it a step further by facilitating translational research. going to be ‘another granting body’. Why was it so If you want companies to invest in research, you have to important to point that out? decrease the potential risks by further developing the science, Jo Bury: “Because we wanted to do more than just hand out through clinical testing or breeding experiments, for example. money. Our goal was to have a real impact on the research In order to achieve this, we have launched a strategic initiative and its results by developing a clear vision and a strategic called VIB Discovery Sciences.” policy for the long term. That meant building an environment with core facilities, a place where top scientists can thrive. Jo: “Translational research requires expertise that VIB doesn’t We decided to invest in people, not in projects.” have today, so we have to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration. Our recent strategic alliance with ILVO, which VIB GRAND CHALLENGES Clearly a good strategy, since VIB is now at the top. brings basic research and applied field knowledge together, Truly translational life sciences research requires Joint efforts with hospitals and clinics, for example, The next challenge is staying there. How hard is that? is a prime example. It’s no coincidence that the strategic plan is a multidisciplinary approach and the involvement open up a wide range of benefits for everyone Jo: “World-class science is a moving target. We have to set titled Beyond Borders.” of many different players, from scientists and involved, from access to new therapies to research the bar higher every day. That’s precisely what we do, but it Collaboration is institutions to hospitals and farmers. Single insights that can be immediately used to help requires tons of creativity on a continuous basis. Johan: “With no borders, boundaries or frontiers, the sky is research groups – and even large scientific people. Partnerships with agriculture companies VIB does not aim for low hanging fruit. We want to publish the limit. The next five years will be filled to the brim with key, wich is why institutions – rarely have all of the resources, give scientists access to land and industry revolutionary findings. We want the next big breakthrough.” exciting evolutions that enable VIB to bring science and knowledge and technologies needed to tackle expertise, with results leading to solutions to society ever closer together. From internal changes that result VIB has developed research challenges from all angles and transform real agricultural problems with the potential VIB has prepared a strategic plan for the future, in a greater efficiency, a stronger brand and more accessible the VIB Grand results into useful societal benefits. to resonate worldwide. can you elaborate? technologies, to external initiatives including new partnerships Collaboration is key, which is why VIB has Johan Cardoen: “VIB’s research is focused on two primary and initiatives that zero in on tech transfer and translational Challenges developed the VIB Grand Challenges program. Despite addressing grand challenges, the program needs of humankind: healthy living and sustainable food science, our multifaceted strategy at VIB aligns to target the Program. Through VIB Grand Challenges, VIB seeks will be funded from the bottom-up, with center production. Combining basic research and tech transfer has achievement of one crucial overarching goal: the significant to stimulate global, transdisciplinary, multi- leaders proposing projects that are selected by a always been our way to respond to these needs. Now we want betterment of life.” institutional collaborations with external partners. high-level, transparent governance group. 20 Years VIB 7 SCIENCE MEETS LIFE From left to right: Eric Karan, Rudi Pauwels, Krista Bracke, Erin O’Shea, Johan Cardoen and Jo Bury

The celebration of 20 years VIB was a SCIENCE MEETS SCIENCE science, but also in technology transfer. on envelope funding by the Flemish SCIENCE MEETS TECHNOLOGY Usually, the reverse strategy is used: success, in great part thanks to the HHMI focuses exclusively on excellent government. I hope that VIB directors someone first develops a piece of ERIN O’SHEA, PRESIDENT OF HHMI science. can convince the Flemish government RUDI PAUWELS, VIROLOGIST, TECH- technology and only afterwards asks contributions of the speakers of the The way in which VIB handles IP is also of the true extent of VIB’s success — not NOLOGIST AND FORWARD-THINKER which clinical questions could be an- afternoon. We had a short conversation Gene regulation, completely different from our strategy only in tech transfer, but also in gener- swered by this technology. The latter with them about science, technology, signal transduction and at HHMI. At VIB, all IP is handled by VIB’s ating excellent science and elevating the As co-founder of Tibotec approach seldom leads to solutions systems biology are the and Virco, Rudi Pauwels business, people… and VIB. own very pro-active tech transfer office. visibility of Flanders and Belgium in the that really respond to a need.” research topics of Erin This strategy not only facilitates obtain- international scientific world.” laid the foundation O’Shea. She examined ing patents — it also generates more for several approved What elements are important the mechanisms behind the circadian benefit by valorizing the outcomes of Do you have specific advice for HIV medicines that to consider when setting up a rhythm in cyanobacteria, but discov- basic science. At HHMI, we defer IP to VIB in approaching the next 5 to are currently saving thousands of lives. technology-based company? ered also how cells make the most of a the collaborating universities who are 20 years? After Tibotec and Virco were sold to J&J, “It is crucial for medical technology limited number of transcription factors less proactive and much less successful “VIB should continue to focus on he went on a three-year sabbatical at developers to envision the future through their dynamics. On September compared to VIB. excellence in science, and that also the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de environment five to ten years from 1, 2016 Erin O’Shea became president of includes basic science. I know this is a Lausanne (EFPL) in Switzerland. Inspired now. What will be the medical and the HHMI. It’s precisely these two activities of the continuous process of push and pull, by the value of combining scientific societal needs? What kind of therapies tech transfer office that make VIB so but one should realize the importance and technological approaches to solve and diagnostic systems will be need- As a member of the Institutional strong. One can make a very compel- of basic science and its continued key diagnostic challenges, he founded ed? Where and by whom will they be Advisory Board of VIB, you are ling argument that the tech transfer funding, even in times of economic Biocartis in 2007. used? How much will it cost? My well-placed to compare the two re- activities of VIB, even considered in the constraints. approach has always been to search institutes. Do you see strong absence of VIB’s scientific achievements, Other than that … honestly … I have Can you give us some insights in familiarize myself with this future differences between HHMI and VIB? has had an enormous positive impact resigned from many advisory boards. your passion for technology? context very well — by reading a lot, on the economy of the region. That im- The reason I stay at the Institutional “For me, technology is not important by talking to people, by daring to step VIB not only strives for excellence in science, but pact vastly exceeds the investment that Advisory Board of VIB is because it is just because it is fascinating. It’s an outside my own discipline and fields also in technology transfer. the Flemish government has made over a first class operation that has really enabler that leads to new ways to ad- of expertise. From the perspective of the course of VIB’s 20-year existence. grown in success over the 10+ years dress challenges in medicine, whether this future vision, you look back and That argument ties in immediately to that I have been involved. It continues they are therapeutic or diagnostic in conceptualize what developments are “Yes, and they are interesting ones. I see the final difference between HHMI to improve in quality and innovation. I nature. I have always begun with the needed to achieve that goal. It is only three big differences, and they really and VIB — the funding source. HHMI learned so much from VIB — especial- clinical need and asked myself the by combining developments from draw attention to VIB’s unique features. is funded by a large endowment of ly from its tech transfer aspect — that question, ‘which technology could different fields that we can develop VIB not only strives for excellence in US$18.2 billion, while VIB is dependent I want to remain associated with it!” provide us with the best solution?’ well-adapted, sustainable solutions. 20 Years VIB 9 age, mainstream media have become would have been able to diagnose very superficial, and scoring headlines me with PID. If sepsis would still be a An important element that I want to and more concerned with making SCIENCE MEETS PEOPLE is harder than ever. That’s a pity, complete mystery to us, I would have emphasize is the difference between sure that their science does translate SCIENCE MEETS BUSINESS KRISTA BRACKE’S LIFE ON STILTS: A because people would benefit from died in the Intensive Care Unit. I am product-centered thinking and plat- to something that benefits society. A LIFELONG COMMITMENT FOR STORY OF HOPE AND SCIENCE knowing more about the ground- profoundly thankful that so many form-based thinking. Platform-based Whether they are in industry or in ERIC KARRAN breaking work that’s being done. researchers, scientists, professors and thinking is something that does not academia, good scientists are finding In January 2009, the life Luckily, VIB spends a tremendous specialists spend day and night trying happen enough in the medical diag- and collaborating with each other in a The former head of of radio producer Krista amount of effort on spreading objec- to keep people alive or to improve the nostics industry. An example: if some- much more productive way.” neuroscience research Bracke was turned tive, science-based information in an quality of life of those who became one presents himself at the doctor’s teams at Johnson & upside down. What accessible way. The success of initia- seriously ill or had an accident. So I office suffering from a tropical fever, We are celebrating VIB’s 20th birth- Johnson, Eli Lilly and seemed like a bad case of the flu turned tives like the Biotech Day or Science can only hope that scientists will never the doctor wants to know whether day. Have you been collaborating Pfizer, Eric Karran be- out to be an aggressive Streptococcus on the Road is proof that there is real lose faith in their mission and that the fever is caused by Zika, malaria, with VIB? came Director of Research at Alzheimer’s pyogenes infection, commonly known interest in biotechnology.” they will keep receiving the support dengue or something else. There is a “I would not call myself an expert on Research UK, a philanthropic organiza- as the ‘flesh-eating bacterium’. In just a they need to give other need for versatile automated molecu- VIB, but I do know the nature of VIB, tion, in 2012. He returned to pharma in few hours’ time, Krista’s body shut down. In the internet age, mainstream media have people a future as well. lar diagnostic systems that will answer December 2015 as Leader and Site Head and I have some insights into how the Septic shock caused multiple organ more complex questions like these. of the Foundational Neuroscience Center organization functions and I’m also failures and cardiac arrests. For ten become very superficial, and scoring headlines We at Biocartis have sought from the at AbbVie in Cambridge, Boston. aware of how incredibly successful days, her life was hanging by a thread. is harder then ever. very beginning to develop a multi- it has been. When in the UK, I have Chances of survival were estimated plexed, platform-based system able to advised institutes and researchers To what extent is the academic at no higher than 5%. But against all Your optimism is remarkable, to answer many diagnostic questions.” starting up research projects to learn community ready to collaborate odds, Krista pulled through. Today she say the least. Despite what hap- from the VIB model.” with businesses? bears the marks of a long and hard pened, you have a strong belief in A NEW KIND OF Platform-based thinking is something “The academic side – and this is a fight, living her life with two prosthetic positive outcomes and progress. Do you have a message for VIB in its generalization, there are exceptions legs, a reconstructed right hand, chronic “What other option is there? I simply VOCABULARY? that does not happen enough in the medial approach to the next 5 to 20 years? – was mainly interested in producing lung damage and an immune disorder. don’t see the point in giving up. I won’t “Having metrics on numbers of diagnostics industry. good publications and furthering Although Krista’s story starts off like a deny that it’s hard, though. Of course Krista Bracke: “I do think com- publications and/or patents does not knowledge in a relatively random nightmare, her message is an optimistic I feel sad sometimes. But in the end, munication between researchers Do you have any words of wisdom always lead to what you really want to fashion. Academic researchers one that brims with courage and an you have to keep going. I believe that and the general public could still for VIB? achieve: answering the big biological allowed their curiosity to take them unrelenting lust for life. being happy with every little step be improved though, as I notice “Many new – or renewed - medical questions. A paper in a very high where it would, but the researchers forward is the key. When I managed a huge gap between the work of needs are rapidly approaching us. A quality journal is not necessarily the were less interested in utility. It’s also Have you been following the to brush my teeth again, I thought: basic researchers and the general very important one is the problem same as discovering the answer to an a fact that this academic model has advancements in science more hey, if I can do this, I can probably public. I think we need to develop of antibiotic resistance. Today, about important question. Many people who suffered some attrition over the past closely since your diagnosis? use a fork as well. Little victories keep a sort of new vocabulary in order 1.7 million deaths occur each year made incredible discoveries - and who 20 years. Numerous studies have “Yes, I have read a lot of material. you moving forward. I like to call this to translate scientific language from infections caused by resistant have received Nobel prizes for these demonstrated that currently much Most of all, my experiences made me ‘healthy positivism’: celebrating every into everyday language. And why bacteria; that number will increase to discoveries – did not always have the of the biomedical academic research more aware of how much important little victory and of life.” not use images, comparisons 10 million deaths by 2050, with a total performed is hard to replicate in other most impressive publication records. research is being performed. The or metaphores trying to explain cost to global society of US$ 100 tril- Taking a long- term perspective labs. As a result, the solid VIB research of Peter Vandenabeele What would be your main message the complex mechanisms of the lion. Deaths from infectious diseases means that you give people room to foundations that existed 20 years ago (VIB-UGent) on cell death and sepsis, for VIB scientists? human body? If I talk about my will surpass those from cancer a few create a field or a niche from scratch. do not appear to be as firm today. for example, is very interesting to me. “I would simply stress the importance ‘liner’ for example, I compare it to years from now. With the exception Challenging, deep scientific questions There are multitudes of reasons for Realizing that septic shock is the most of what they are doing. By under- a stocking made out of silicone. of the new TB drug from Janssen take time to answer and scientists that. It has to do with the complexity important cause of death on an Inten- standing the mechanisms of life, they It isn’t exactly the same, but it is a researcher Koen Andries, there has should be given the time they need to of biology and the research sive Care Unit was already shocking can make a huge difference for people way of bringing the more technical been a total market failure in terms of invest in them. The trick is, of course, technologies used, but also with the and therefore it is reassuring to know like you and me. Basic research and specialized matters closer to antibiotics in recent decades. Neither to select those scientists that you can pressure to publish under which aca- that there are people who are trying has given me my life: if researchers everyday life and of creating a bet- the industry nor academic centers are trust, provide them with long-term demics have to perform and compete to unravel the complex mechanisms.” wouldn’t have worked hours and ter understanding of what living investing in research to find and devel- funding and be assured that your these days. Another reason is the hours on developing good functioning with prosthetic legs is about. It’s a op new antibiotics. This constitutes an money is not wasted. In conclusion, proliferation of journals so that it is Do you think more people should artificial legs, I would be sitting in a huge challenge for scientists and enormous challenge and, in addition my message would be to keep focus- possible, ultimately, to publish almost know about the importance of wheelchair for the rest of my days. If researchers to find a new way in to industry players, there are vital ing on scientific excellence, but to try anything. There are lots of issues at basic research? no scientist had made the effort of communicating about the wonder- roles for research institutes like VIB to to have a long-term perspective at the work there. What I see occurring is “That would certainly be a good thing, trying to reveal what can go wrong in ful work they perform daily.” play. I hope they tackle this challenge.” same time.” that a population of scientist are more but I know it’s not easy. In the internet our immunology system, no specialist

20 Years VIB 11 Should we in Flanders be afraid of researchers, will become the founding You are currently the president of RUDY DEKEYSER: the Dutch expansion? scientists, but the institute aims to the VIB Alumni Network. Why is this On the contrary, in my view, Flanders rapidly grow to 1,000 researchers network important? and the Netherlands could become by recruiting more talent from the The VIB Alumni Network represents ALUMNUS ON A MISSION a leading biotech and life sciences Netherlands and the world. a super opportunity for VIB as an region in Europe. The boom in the institute, but also for both current Netherlands will be beneficial for You participated in the 20 years VIB and former VIB researchers. By now, Belgium, too. The most successful US celebration. How has VIB evolved nearly 3,000 people have left VIB, and FOR BETTER SCIENCE clusters are thriving on large pools since you left the institute? this big family is growing year after of talented people rapidly moving If you look at the facts and the figures, year – and they are everywhere. You from one organization to the other. performance has been brilliant. VIB can find them in research institutes, Rudy, cofounder and co-director of VIB for 17 years, left the At the end of the day, it is all about has become an amazing institute companies, government agencies organization in June 2012. These wonderful years were spent working human capital: bright scientists, wise with sound foundations and matured and even venture capital funds. For shoulder to shoulder with partner-in-crime Jo Bury and many other clinicians, professional tech transfer concepts. More than ever, I really VIB, they can be great ambassadors, people, seasoned management, appreciate the impact VIB had on the increasing visibility and spreading the passionate people with one goal in mind: transforming VIB from experienced investors, etc. A larger life sciences ecosystem in Flanders. word that VIB is a welcoming place to a blank sheet of paper into an internationally-renowned pool of people in Flanders and the The return on investment for the gravitate toward at some time in your research institute. Netherlands should result in the easier Flemish government and society has career. For current and former VIB exchange of a highly skilled workforce been extremely high, although I admit researchers, it is an attractive network Rudy moved to LSP (Life Science Partners), a leading European between organizations. Companies like that much of the impact has only been for accessing know-how, technologies, Galapagos and argenx, active in both realized through the contributions of people, money, career opportunities investment firm, headquartered in Amsterdam. He kept his diligence regions, are already role models, and many other actors. and so much more. and his modesty, and insiders know that his impact on the European there is much more in the pipeline. The potential of that network is life science scene is greater than ever. What do you think of VIB’s plan to underutilized at the moment. But of There are rumors that you also set up a translational component? course, VIB is still a young institute have a hand in OncoXL, a brand new Is it a wise decision? and the VIB Alumni Network was Dutch top research institute for I firmly believe that VIB needs to founded even more recently. So, What have been your achievements at diagnosis and treatment of diseases. by a seasoned management team, cancer. Isn’t it shaped according maintain its focus on exploring the there’s work to be done to grow its LSP so far? Secondly, due to the aging population you will always find money. I would say to the VIB model? frontiers of our knowledge and chasing impact and increase these interactions. LSP has been investing in life sciences and a sharp increase in chronic diseases, there is plenty of risk capital available Dutch cancer research is world true breakthroughs. But VIB’s mission An important first initiative is the VIB companies for more than 25 years. Our healthcare costs per capita have doubled – in Benelux specifically, which is an class. But research sponsors – the has always been ‘excellent science Alumni Award (see page 20). support comes from successive funds, since the start of the century, resulting obvious hotspot in Europe. At LSP, Dutch government and a big charity for the benefit of society’, and this and for each new fund, we need to raise in huge pressure on governments and we have recently raised 250 million organizations like the Koningin requires the translation of scientific What do you consider the biggest money from institutional investors (e.g. taxpayers to keep these expenditures euros for a new fund. New and older Wilhelmina Fonds (KWF) voor findings into products. This is why we challenge for VIB in the next pension funds, insurance companies), under control. To break the cycle, LSP initiatives combined, there is more than Kankerbestrijding – felt that the results have established a highly competent 20 years? strategic investors and wealthy families. HEF decided to only invest in companies a billion euros in Dutch and Belgian life of this research could be translated tech transfer team fully dedicated In 20 years, VIB has become a member My first task was to finalize the launch developing products that improve the sciences funds to be put to work in the better and faster into treatments to building the bridges between VIB of the champions’ league of research of the LSP Health Economics Fund (LSP quality of healthcare, but to reduce coming three or so years. To manage and diagnoses. And this is where the and third parties. Over time, industry institutes, an amazing performance HEF). The initial target was to raise the cost at the same time. After careful expectations, not all that money is for VIB model has been inspirational: and investors have become more thanks to the commitment and passion 100 million euros. At the end, we were analysis of many hundreds of business early stage ventures in Belgium and combining top science with dedicated demanding in terms of the results they of so many people. But the dynamics able to raise 112 million. Subsequently, plans, we have thus far invested in the Netherlands. and professional technology transfer to consider sufficiently validated to take in life sciences research are daunting, we started to put this money to work ten companies developing innovative bring benefits to patients and society. on board. The translational component with new technologies and scientific by investing in innovative healthcare medical devices, diagnostics or digital Is the Netherlands catching up I have participated with much joy in a that VIB is adding to the whole breakthroughs surfacing not only companies in Europe and the US. health technology. The potential cost with Belgium? working group with representatives equation will be very helpful in closing in Europe and the US, but all over savings in the event of full commercial Oh yes, not only in raising funds, but also from KWF, three ministries, several this gap, and thus the translation into the globe. To maintain its leading LSP HEF has a different flavor rollout of the products in Europe by putting new companies on the scene government agencies, research real products benefitting society. This position, I believe that VIB will need to compared to traditional biotech and amounts to up to 7 billion euros. and expanding them. Furthermore, the organizations and my LSP colleague will be money very well-spent. become an active player in the world’s pharma investment funds, doesn’t it? culture within the Dutch universities has René Kuijten to lay out the design of leading (in)formal networks of top Indeed, the fund was established Is it currently more difficult to raise changed in the past four to five years. the initial contours of a new institutes and keep surfing the waves based on two observations. First, capital for setting up new companies? Translating knowledge into products is cancer institute. ALL VIB of true fundamental breakthroughs. notwithstanding the great progress we When you have a truly innovative becoming the new adage among young Jan Hoeijmakers, Hans Clevers, Hans Fortunately, the foundations are there, made over the last 30 years, there is technology with great commercial Dutch researchers. Bos, Anton Berns en René Bernards, but this is no time for the institute to ALUMNI ARE INVITED TO still a large need for better prevention, potential and a company supported five of Netherland’s world level cancer JOIN THE VIB ALUMNI rest on its laurels. GROUP ON LINKEDIN. 20 Years VIB 13 Barbara Janssens, PhD Career Manager at DKFZ German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg Germany SHAPING THE FUTURE - VIB’S SECOND

From left to right: Lars Vereecke, Hans Willems, Jo Bury, Dirk Draulans, POSTDOC Vanessa Morais, Anne De Paepe and Helena Nazaré

Based on a whitepaper written by agreed that the number of students creating more research positions, the VIB postdoc committee, the is rising, and that the number of participants highlighted the second postdoc event organized by postdocs should increase as well importance of giving young PIs EVENT VIB centered around 3 hot topics: to support the growing number of the opportunity to focus on their career opportunities and restraints PhDs. According to the participants, research to protect them from Are there too many PhDs and postdocs? Are funding for young researchers, the current the bottleneck is the shortage in administrative and teaching duties. and future funding situation professorships, and the shortage As a whole, VIB employs nearly 20% possibilities for young Principal Investigators (PIs) dwindling? and gender balance. These foci of jobs for highly-educated people young PIs. Mobility is also important And what about mobility, not to mention gender balance inspired the event’s title, “Shape outside the bounds of academia – in giving researchers independence, in the scientific community? These big questions and more Your Future”, and were addressed which is partially fueled by the fact especially during the postdoc phase, were pondered, discussed, mulled over and investigated during both a panel debate and that there is little funding available and in creating new opportunities with excellent results at “Shape the Future”, a VIB postdoc an alumni networking event. The for postdocs working in industry. for other people. debate sparked many interesting event held in Brussels. discussions and provided new How can we address these issues? 3. Gender balance: inspiration for further reflection. In addition to increasing the number rules are still needed Even after the event was over, of research-based professorships, The members of the panel also postdocs from many different professors should be encouraged agreed that it is still important departments continued the to mix academic with industrial to implement rules centering conversation at a bar in Brussels – experience and enable their younger around gender balance in terms that’s what we’d call a lively debate! counterparts to do the same, giving of faculty or board composition. Thanks again to our great panel them the opportunity to consider Women should also be stimulated members, alumni speakers and other career paths that also make to seize opportunities that they engaged postdoc audience for your the most of their skills. Postdocs would otherwise not take, since the dedication and participation – who take up support functions success rates for female vs. male we’re looking forward to seeing vs. PI positions are also crucial to FWO (Research Fund Flanders) you in 2017! maintaining research expertise applications is equally high while the in labs and research groups, and number of female applications is a Some key insights we can take away should be given more credit. lot lower. Supporting structures from this fruitful event: such as daycare could help give 2. Funding: who is actually women (and men!) the opportunity 1. PhDs and postdocs: getting it, and why? to build careers in this highly- an overpopulation problem? It’s a fact that most funding is spent demanding field. The verdict: a resounding ‘no!’. on attracting top scientists from Everybody at the panel discussion around the world. In addition to

20 Years VIB 15 BASIC RESEARCH: WHERE CURIOSITY LEADS TO GROUNDBREAKING INNOVATION

Although VIB is heavily focused on transforming research insights into solutions to the real problems faced by humanity, the beating heart of VIB is strategic basic research conducted by world-class scientists in our labs. After all, 20 years of experience in basic science has taught us that some of the most groundbreaking innovations come up by chance as outcomes of fundamental research. VIB ALUMNI AWARD 2017: The freedom to explore, the That’s exactly what we do, but it Wim and his collaborators NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS facilities to experiment requires tons of creativity on a discovered that not just one, Scientific freedom and continuous basis. but two different γ-secretases tangible results might sound VIB isn’t after low-hanging fruit. contribute to the creation of two As we’re celebrating ’20 years VIB’ this year, now is the like opposites, but they are We want to publish revolutionary different pools of toxic amyloid perfect time for the VIB Alumni Board to launch a new inextricably linked. At VIB, findings. We want the next proteins. The insight they gained initiative that recognizes an alumnus for excellent scientists are granted full rein big breakthrough.” into γ-secretases provides a when it comes to their research foundation for new cellular and scientific achievements combined with a clear effort and the facilities they have at When basic research has in vivo models for Alzheimer’s towards societal impact. The award also serves to their disposal. Their curiosity, unexpected – and amazing - disease that could potentially reinforce our connection with former collaborators, expertise and previous findings results allow researchers to intervene research groups, companies, hospitals and universi- lead them to freely pursue An example of a basic research very early on in the development new projects, new angles and study by VIB scientists that of the illness, when it can still be ties across the globe. seek new information. Possible may lead to unexpected new halted or even reversed. applications of their results pathogenic insights is a study Who: Any VIB collaborator who left VIB between 1 inevitably pop up along the way. led by Wim Annaert (VIB – KU Wim Annaert: “It was totally and 20 years ago, who was a member of VIB for at Leuven) on Alzheimer’s disease. unanticipated that even after least 6 months. Self-nominations are not accepted. Jo Bury (Managing Director, VIB): A hallmark of this illness is 20 years of investigating this “Basic research is the absolute the aggregation of clumps of topic, there are still important How: Nominators had to complete and submit the cornerstone of our institute. proteins in the brain, leading things to be discovered – application form by December 5th, 2016 If you want to move scientific to the eventual destruction of which we could have only frontiers, you need to give brain cells. Wim and his team set accomplished through a basic Judges: The VIB Alumni Board will judge and rank all researchers both the freedom out to investigate the function, research approach. This kind of nominations, with the final candidate proposed by the and the facilities they need to structure and physiology research is often underfunded, VIB Alumni selection panel consisting of VIB’s founding work on the questions that of γ-secretase – an enzyme and the fact remains that it is mothers/fathers: Christine Claus, Désiré Collen, Walter inspire them. If we change that, that cuts proteins into the still essential to understanding Fiers, Herman Van Den Berghe and Marc Van Montagu. we’re shooting ourselves in smaller pieces that eventually the molecular basis of disease the foot.” combine to form clumps, or onset, particularly in Award ceremony: Held at the crowning moment of the amyloid plaques. neurodegenerative diseases.” VIB Biotech tour (see page 65) in the Flemish Parliament Jo: “World-class science is a on February 20th, 2017, in the presence of Minister moving target – we have to However, in the process of Sanneruda et al., Cell 2016 Muyters (work, economy, innovation and sports). set the bar higher every day. conducting the research,

Wim Annaert 20 Years VIB 17 STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY ELEVATES BASIC RESEARCH TO A HIGHER PLANE

Proteins are a cutting-edge target for scientists working in many areas of life sciences because they are at the core of the most basic processes of living things. In 2012, Brian Kobilka and Robert Lefkowitz were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery of G protein-coupled receptors, and our own Jan Steyaert (VIB-VUB) and his colleagues played an important role in this groundbreaking structural biology research – demonstrating VIB’s front-running position in this field. Let’s have a look at other innovative projects conducted by VIB scientists that feature structural biology approaches to studying proteins.

PROTEINS IN THE Versées, staff scientist in the Jan studies. “Each protein can be seen Steyaert lab (VIB – VUB), concurs as a unique model, sensor or STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY and adds: “We’re driven by our molecular machine with properties SPOTLIGHT commitment to understanding that capture the imagination,” says Proteins, fundamental and biological processes in all their Han poetically. dynamic building blocks of life as details, even down to the we know it, hold huge potential atomic level.” In collaboration with a cross- when it comes to understanding border team of scientists, Han vital cell processes and treating Structural biology gives scientists investigated how the E. coli diseases. VIB structural biologists immediate visual insights into bacterium is able to bind to the Han Remaut (VIB-VUB) and Wim the atomic structure of proteins, surface proteins of bladder cells, Versées (VIB-VUB), together with leading to new hypotheses avoiding antibiotics and leading Skywalker are great examples of that address the pathogenic and the inhibitors are. “We’re also going cell biologist Patrik Verstreken concerning their functions in to pain and tissue damage. how a structural biology approach functional mechanisms of these to continue to sift through the (VIB-KU Leuven), are hard at work cells and the way in which, for Targeting this binding mechanism to the investigation of proteins led proteins. That’s how we discovered biology of Skywalker to look for conducting basic research on example, mutations can lead to is a potential way for new non- to medically-applicable insights. “The a new mechanism in epilepsy and other targets that we can inhibit to proteins with the potential to have certain diseases. Patrik and Wim antibiotic therapeutic drugs to vast majority of our medications act a way to suppress the defects that suppress epilepsy,” Patrik concludes. far-reaching effects, initially began their collaboration fight bladder infections. A similar upon proteins. A detailed picture lead to the disease.” especially when it comes to treat- by studying a protein named ELP3, approach was used to identify of their structures and functions “This research demonstrates ing neurodegenerative diseases which is implicated in amyotrophic non-antibiotic methods of fighting very often has direct medical very clearly that basic science is and epilepsy, or developing non- lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known Helicobacter pylori infection, one NEXT STEPS relevance, with structural insights of the utmost importance,” Wim antibiotic therapies for infection. as Lou Gehrig’s disease. More of the leading causes of gastritis at the molecular level enabling us The scientists enthusiastically asserts. Even though the team’s recently, they’ve been investigating and ulcers, and a possible cause to understand how drugs work, or anticipate the next steps: Wim and initial aim was to understand the an epilepsy-linked protein called of stomach cancer. His research STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY providing us a lead to new ones,” Patrik’s findings have identified a mechanisms and processes that TBC1D24/Skywalker, publishing on E. coli was published in Cell DREAM TEAM Han says. target, an enzyme that breaks down form the foundation of Skywalker’s a paper revealing their insights Host & Microbe, and two lines lipids in the brain. And although involvement in epilepsy, their “Wim and I studied together,” in the leading journal Nature of discovery on H. pylori were “We study the structures of proteins motivated, Han describes the results led to new avenues for the explains Patrik (VIB - KU Leuven). Structural & Molecular Biology. published in Nature Microbiology to ask very specific questions,” translation of his insights into real development of epilepsy therapies. “Later on, after discussing our and Cell Host & Microbe. Wim continues. For example, drugs as a “long and uncertain road”. “It’s incredibly motivating and serves research interests, we discovered FIGHTING INFECTIONS understanding the structure of So, what happens next? an incentive to keep going even that while our expertise in WITHOUT ANTIBIOTICS THE IMPORTANCE OF Skywalker gives insights to Patrik faster and harder,” he says. neurology and structural biology INVESTIGATING PROTEINS and his team into how pathogenic Based on the structure of the are totally complimentary, there For Han Remaut (VIB - VUB) the mutations lead to epilepsy. “We can Skywalker protein, Wim and Patrik’s Fischer et al, Nature 2016 is also a lot of overlap in terms atomic understanding of protein Han’s study of bacterial protein see the ways in which the mutations teams will determine specific Conover et al., Cell Host Microbe 2016 of the biological questions we structures has fascinated him binding mechanisms and Wim affect different sites on the proteins, inhibitors and develop assays that were seeking answers for.” Wim since the very beginning of his and Patrik’s research on TBC1D24/ enabling us to formulate hypotheses can be used to test how effective

20 Years VIB 19 It is clear that the sharing of technological equipment and knowhow is becoming a prerequisite for scientific breakthroughs.

Geert Van Minnebruggen

SUPPORTING SCIENTISTS most of them focus on clusters compounds that interfere with of proteins and lipids. Sebastian cell division (Hu et al., Plant Cell IN THEIR QUESTS FOR and his collaborators combined 2016). These results provided KNOWLEDGE technologies and approaches insight into how mitochondria From protein production, in QuASIMoDOH to develop an can affect plant survival by genome sequencing and accessible new tool that includes controlling the structure of nanobodies to -omics and also analysis of gradients of plant cell walls. beyond, VIB’s core facilities proteins and lipids and allows provide support to a broad to measure changes that may Dominique and his team were range of research fields. Even be caused by illnesses such as also involved in a chemical better, a number of new core cancer and neurodegenerative biology project that resulted facilities are currently in the diseases. It’s also compatible in the development of a works, with upgrades to existing with a range of test system to assess lignin facilities planned. The strength microscopic technologies. biosynthesis in planta in a and expertise of different core miniaturized format (Van de facilities can be combined with Geert Van Minnebruggen Wouwer et al., 2016). Lignins are those of internal and external (Head Core Facilities at VIB): the tough polymers in plants research groups to take science “Innovative tools are the result that cause their ‘woodiness’, to new heights. This was again of pooling together technological making it more difficult to demonstrated by a recent paper and scientific expertise. In process plant material into published in collaboration with VIB’s core facilities, including sources of biofuel. The new, the Bio Imaging Core Leuven led the Bio Imaging Core, expert multidisciplinary approach by Sebastian Munck, and two technologists like Sebastian allowed scientists to identify a Bio-polymer papers supported by the Munck have been joining forces novel inhibitor of anenzyme that ©Bio Imaging Core Ghent Ghent based Compound with research group leaders for is crucial in lignin biosynthesis. Screening Facility headed by some time now. It is clear that Dominique Audenaert. the sharing of technological THE IMPORTANCE OF equipment and knowhow is INVESTING IN CORE FACILITIES becoming a prerequisite for QUASIMODOH: A TOOL FOR These discoveries and many scientific breakthroughs.” SHARING RESOURCES UNDERSTANDING DISEASE more highlight how crucial it is What do scientists do when they to foster scientific collaboration know a specific technology or NEW METHODS FOR – not just between research method doesn’t yet exist, but INVESTIGATING PLANT CELLS groups and VIB core facilities IS AT THE ‘CORE’ OF it’s needed to perform essential Another example of a – but also when it comes to research? They create novel multidisciplinary approach projects that combine the tools themselves! That’s exactly leading to new scientific tools capacities of multiple core what Sebastian Munck and his can be found in the research facilities. VIB has this goal in EXCELLENT SCIENCE team at the Bio Imaging Core of a multidisciplinary team mind in the form of brand- Leuven did in a collaborative that worked closely with new pilot projects that feature effort involving leading one of VIB’s core facilities. cooperation between and VIB manages nine core facilities: specialized centers that concentrate expertise, technology and high- researchers from VIB-KU Leuven In collaboration with the among core facilities, allowing tech infrastructure, offering it to VIB and outside scientists. This pooling of resources gives researchers investigating cell membranes. VIB Compound Screening them to serve the larger access to expensive technologies that they wouldn’t be able to use under ordinary circumstances. But Facility headed by Dominique scientific community, and also just as important – core facilities are places for cross-collaboration, ambitious multidisciplinary QUASIMODOH WAS BORN. Audenaert, a multidisciplinary society as a whole, with even projects and innovation. What do you get when you mix these factors together? Breakthroughs. While many statistical tools exist team of scientists developed greater effectiveness. that can be used to explore the a microscopy-based method makeup of a cell membrane, to screen plant cells for Paparelli et al., PLOS 2016

20 Years VIB 21 STIMULATING VIB’S PHD SCHOLARSHIPS: INTERNATIONAL DIVERSITY TO THREE RECENT DRIVE EXCELLENT SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL HITS

Describing VIB as an international melting pot is definitely no overstatement. Representatives of no fewer than 69 nationalities are currently hard at work in our organization. This is no coincidence, since we have always focused on recruiting top scientists from all over the world. And more than just a few examples illustrate the added value of cultural diversity for better science.

Omics@VIB: our postdoc program

Next to organically attracting carried out by VIB, but also to the lucky ones to join us for a the world’s best talents, we have the talented international PhD May interview week in Ghent. tailored programs to recruit students and postdocs that have specific scientific profiles. Five ‘colonized’ leading institutions Steering these efforts in the years ago, we set the omics@VIB around the world after their VIB right direction: Lieve Ongena program into motion, offering career. I, for one, am leaving VIB (Senior Science Policy Manager) international fellowships to with a big publication, a patent, is applying her formidable integrative biology postdocs who a prize and the opportunity to experience – 16 years at VIB – ONE TWO THREE have advanced skills in omics work with top scientists. These to stimulate the international ALAN WALTON BRIGIDA GALLONE CEZARY WASZCZAK technologies such as genomics, are definitely great assets for my mobility of researchers proteomics and metabolomics. future career!” while strengthening ties with NOVEL TOOLS TO MONITOR COMPARING WINE AND BEER PLANT CO2 RELEASE IN This is how we were able to foreign research institutes PLANT HORMONES YEASTS ATMOSPHERE REGULATION attract 20 international new and universities. “Different In just 3.5 years at VIB, British Brigida Gallone of the Kevin MECHANISM postdoc colleagues whose educational systems and cultural PhD student Alan Walton of the Verstrepen Lab (VIB-KU Leuven) Since joining our student research has culminated in 77 I have witnessed VIB’s exponential variations bring about diverse Kris Gevaert Lab and the Sofie and the Steven Maere Lab (VIB- program in 2008, Cezary papers, many of which were growth in reputation and scientific research approaches,” Goormachtig Lab (VIB-UGent) UGent) from Italy recently made Waszczak of the Frank Van published in high level journals production. says Lieve. has contributed to 10 papers. waves in both the scientific com- Breusegem Lab (VIB-UGent) and such as Science, Nature, Nature This year, he developed munity and the public at large the Joris Messens Lab (VIB-KU Microbiology, Nature Medicine, Eleonora Leucci proteomic tools useful in with a study published in Cell, Leuven) from Poland has, in the Plant Cell, PNAS etc. Our 3 gaining insights into the indicating that ancient brewers meantime, earned his PhD. His patent applications are another VIB International PhD signaling processes in and winemakers were already latest scientific achievement fruitful outcome of Omics@VIB. Program: up and running strigolactones, plant hormones using yeasts long before the dis- involved identifying a regulation Eleonora Leucci (VIB-KU Leuven) As of November 1, 2016 VIB’s Consequently, combining different that act as recognition signals covery of microorganisms. One mechanism by which plants is one of our postdoctoral ninth call for applications aimed cultures in international research for parasitic weed germination. of the paper’s striking conclu- release CO2 back into the fellows, who joined VIB in 2012. at non-Belgian PhD students in teams can result in unique and In this way, Alan hopes to sions: beer yeasts were ‘tamed’ atmosphere. Since photosyn- “My PI introduced me to VIB,” life sciences living abroad kicked innovative approaches and insights. contribute to a solution for and adapted according to their thetic CO2 assimilation is vital to says Eleonora. “And during these off. This program offers 10 PhD This is why VIB puts a lot of effort into large-scale crop losses relationships with humans, sustain life on earth, this study last four years, I have witnessed scholarships and placements building an international research worldwide. His paper was whereas wine yeasts could freely published in Plant Cell VIB’s exponential growth within our VIB research groups. community. published in the January interbreed with feral yeasts in can provide a perspective for in reputation and scientific Candidates can apply until issue of Plant Cell. the winery. Or, to extend the engineering this pathway to production. This is certainly February 15, 2017, after which Lieve Ongena metaphor: beer yeasts are like improve crop yields. due to the hard branding work we’ll draft a shortlist and invite dogs, wine yeasts are like cats.

20 Years VIB 23 My first personal experience in that I wasn’t taking ‘a step back’ by bench space was required per a VIB research lab dates back to returning to VIB. During my PhD person. The decisive argument 2008. For my master’s thesis topic, years, the community in which was that “even VIB researchers had I had chosen a project in the lab of I worked made all the difference. only X cm”, so no one could argue Peter Carmeliet (VIB-KU Leuven). Despite all the training and that it wasn’t sufficient to do great He was like The Godfather of resources available at VIB, it wasn’t science. There you have it, VIB science to us, inducing a mix an easy ride. Some might argue is literally a benchmark for of admiration and insecurity that doing a PhD at VIB is extra scientific excellence. whenever we had to interact with difficult because of the increased him. The lab space was huge, pressure of publishing in top-tier You may ask, what is the relevance filled with a very international journals, and while every story of this personal story? By itself, group of researchers, all working is different, I think there may be it is just one experience, but relentlessly. While at times I felt some truth in this. The bar is set by adding up these stories and more than a little intimidated, the pretty high, but wasn’t that the perspectives, the bigger picture will encouragement of my supervising whole reason for doing a PhD at emerge. Besides the spin-offs, the postdoc kept me on track. She VIB in the first place? generated intellectual property, Liesbeth Aerts would say ‘If someone else can the awards and economic revenue, do it, why not you?’ giving me As an institute, VIB is still very it’s stories like mine and yours that confidence that with the right young. This could be turned into ultimately weave the narrative of attitude, I also could make it. an advantage for students and VIB’s reputation. early career scientists, as there REPORTER ON THE ROAD: I left VIB to continue my studies is some room to influence the When Jo Bury and Rudy De Keyser in the UK but ended up back in scientific culture at VIB. I have started their adventure, I was still Belgium for my PhD. With my certainly been given countless playing with Barbies, not genes background, the labs of Christine opportunities to do so: as a and proteins. Now, 20 years later, Van Broeckhoven (VIB-UAntwerp) student representative during the me and countless others with “the ON ROOTS & WINGS: and Bart De Strooper (VIB-KU departmental strategic advisory VIB label” are making our marks in Leuven) were obvious choices, board visit, as a member of the all sorts of ways all over the world. independent of their location. VIBes organizing team, as co- I’d like to think that now it is up to Most of my classmates were organizer of the first edition us, and everyone who follows, to applying for PhD positions and of Patients-meet-Scientists... shape VIB’s legacy. BREEDING A GENERATION some would ask: why go back to Even now, after having left, I Belgium when you could do a PhD can still have my say by writing here? When I told them which for VIBnews! labs I had applied to, they quickly After completing her PhD OF SCIENTISTS AT VIB realized their prejudice Apart from the rankings and at VIB, Liesbeth set out was misguided. money, there are plenty of small to explore new horizons ways in which VIB’s reputation and ended up at UNSW VIB turned 20 this year. It was an achievement that was difficult to miss, culminating in a fancy birthday party at Bozar in I ended up in the lab of Bart De shines through. One example: Australia. She writes about Strooper. Ironically, he is now during my PhD, a friend working her scientific adventures on Brussels. Although celebrated on a much smaller scale, 2016 also marked an important 30th birthday: mine. This means also affiliated with the Institute of in a non-VIB lab asked me to the other side of the world. that I was only 10 years old when it all began for VIB. At that age, my interests in science policy and biotech research had Neurology at University College measure my bench. They were Follow Liesbeth on Twitter yet to develop, and I was completely unaware of how the bold ambitions of a few politicians and scientists would affect my London, the very institute at which remodeling the lab and heavy @Liesbeth_Aerts career path over the following decades. I was doing my degree - the proof discussions ensued on how much

20 Years VIB 25 Liesbeth Aerts Bart De Moor @Liesbeth_Aerts @DeMoorBart

Science and technology can save Science policy minister @philip- lives. Stories like Krista Brackes can pemuyters:At 20, the performance of Piet Stinissen inspire us to do our best research @VIBLifeSciences is stunning! @piet_stinissen and talk about it more #20yrsVIB @KU_Leuven @Leuven_Mindgate Congrats to @VIBLifeSciences for 20 y of Research@UGent @ResearchUGent ecellence in lifesciences ! Proud to be

partner @uhasselt pic.twitter.com/6Pw- Clear message of Erin OShea WjtfZI @HHMINEWS : fund basic research broadly and with a long term view. Inspirational keynote! #20yrsVIB Philippe De Backer VIB Tech Watch @debackerphil @VIBTechWatch Concert 20 years of @VIBLifeSciences @VIBLifeSciences celebrates @BOZARbrussels great legacy, even #20yrsVIB in Brussels. Building brighter future #innovation #friends biotechnology in Flanders by #biotechpic.twitter.com/YormWtVdQ investing in breakthrough life An Barbara Janssens @AnTanghe science technologies @BiotechBarb

Whole audience at #20yrsVIB Impressive rebranding and launch of Growing microtubules (Library Submitted) instantly rebranded - well done new Logo #20yrsVIB @VIBLifeScienc- @VIBLifeSciences communications es nomorebodybuilderspic.twit- team!pic.twitter.com/V1HW9VaiO ter.com/B2Db4TApe

CBiology of Disease @CBD_VIB Raquel da Cunha @RauelCCCunha Adrian Liston VIB SCARF Nominate a @VIBLifeSciences Alumni @AdrianListon Bart De Moor for science ecellence and science If VIB didnt eist we would have @DeMoorBart translation to society for the new VIB Good uestion for all scientists. What to invent it Rudi Pauwels thanking Alumni Award! #20yrsVIB drives you? #20yrsVIB “The original image under the microscope looked very different from @VIBLifeSciences founding @philippemuyters:up- the one on the scarves. It is a GFP-fusion with End binding protein-1 fathers&mothers #20yrsVIB dated @VIBLifeSciences strategy Science and marks the tips of growing microtubules, so under the microscope meets Future:budget will increase from 2017 ! you just see a noisy image with some speckles slowly radiating Ive De Smet outwards. It’s only when you record a time lapse sequence and put @KU_Leuven @Leuven_- Mindgate @IveDeSmet1978 all the time points on top of each other – each with a different color @SooikeStoops @AdrianListon everlasting and applying some filters – that you can see clear tracks of all newly curiosity, being the first to observe polymerized microtubules. Research@UGent something or make a connection @ResearchUGent

Certainly nothing special that hasn’t been done by others, but I found Mooie tentoonstelling voor #20yrsVIB the resulting image quite beautiful. That’s why I deposited the image en #biotechtour! Met enkele straffe UGent-onderzoekers en een VIB into the VIB Bio Image Library, together with some others that I found afsluitend uizje deze haalde 5/5 :- @VIBLifeSciences Adrian Liston @AdrianListon aesthetically pleasing. This was in 2013 and I basically forgot about it, Enjoy once more the great so it was a nice surprise to hear that this image was going to be used vibes on #20yrsVIB https://vim- 1. Problem solving is fun https://twit- eo.com/187150757 Ready for to decorate the VIB scarves.” ter.com/adrianliston/sta- the future : tus/783700093983715329 … Flanders Today 2. Empathy for people who *need* @flanderstoday “You always hope that one of your images will end up on the cover of a medical breakthroughs https://twit-

top journal, but this wish vanishes completely now, knowing that these ter.com/adrianliston/sta- VIB celebrates 20 years with biotech tus/783700093983715329 … scarves will warm up so many people.” tour through Flanders @VIBLifeSciences Tineke Van hooland 3. Deep and long term anger at the http://buff.ly/2dsKUk8 pic.twit- @T_Van_hooland subordinate role evidence plays in ter.com/CIJfisjAa5 our society Bob Asselbergh, Staff employee, VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, @VIBLifeSciences is an ecellent University of Antwerp partner to work with. Other countries can learn from it diit Eric Karran from @abbvie #20yearsVIB 20 Years VIB 27 Ive De Smet and Barbara De Coninck PLANT PEPTIDES: KEYS TO UNDERSTANDING PLANT VIB PAPERS GET A POPULARITY BOOST: GROWTH AND STRESS RESPONSES HIGHLY-CITED WORKS ON THE RISE

Peptides are well-known in the scientific community as signal molecules, but until recently, little has been known about their It’s a simple fact that papers written by VIB scientists are being cited more and more often in scientific literature. functions in plants. New research has shed light on what peptides mean for plants – not only in their growth and development, Over the last 5 years, the number of papers cited over 100 times, as well as the number of new 1000+ citation but also in how they regulate their reactions to stressors such as drought, heat and pathogens. A Special Issue of Journal of papers, is on the rise. We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the VIB researchers who have contributed Experimental Botany (JXB) collects new papers that cover a combination of genetic, biochemical and developmental studies to these highly-cited, high-quality publications. But the proof is in the paper; great science speaks for itself! that shed light into the plant peptides’ functions and actions – insights that can be easily translated to crop plants.

Breaking records with disease (76%), while 17% describe (Peter Carmeliet (VIB-KU Leuven), VIB research into these fundamental regulatory Jean-Pierre Bourgin, UMR1318 INRA-AgroParisTechs breakthrough publications new tools in life sciences research. Peter Vandenabeele (VIB-KU proteins is highlighted in this Special Issue of JXB, at the time of publication) and his colleagues from Even more, the majority – 84%! – Leuven) and Jan Cools (VIB-KU which was edited by Barbara De Coninck (VIB-KU the Plant Systems Biology Department of VIB-UGent, For several years in a row, the of these highly-cited papers were Leuven)). A paper describing a Leuven) and Ive De Smet (VIB-UGent). A paper which explored the processing of the GOLVEN 1 number of highly-cited VIB published in high-profile T5 or T1 bioinformatics tool (Steven Maere published by the team of Ive De Smet (VIB-UGent), peptide that controls cell elongation in plants. papers published in the last academic journals. (VIB-KU Leuven)) has also crossed which explores the role of a peptide called CEP5 in 5-year window has been growing. the 1,000-citation threshold. Since root development, was included in the compilation. Barbara De Coninck (VIB-KU Leuven): “Few plant Between 2011 – 2015, 101 papers Achieving the 1000+ citation VIB’s foundation 20 years ago, Another paper authored by Ive and several peptides have been investigated in detail – this is only with VIB authors or contributors milestone 23 papers by VIB scientists have international colleagues defines a new role to the the tip of the iceberg. We estimate that plants make have been cited over 100 times surpassed this esteemed number RALFL34 plant peptide family, which is responsible over 1,000 peptides – and probably many more – with by the end of 2015, with 47 What’s more, 7 additional papers of citations. for controlling the position and development of huge potential in future studies that could impact new 100+ citation papers on have been cited more than 1,000 roots. The research team explored the role of agriculture worldwide.” the list. Newcomers to the 100 times – a huge achievement. Curious to learn more? RALFL34 through in-depth genetic profiling and citations threshold represent These newcomers to the list of Have a look at the 5-year list analysis of mutant model plant specimens. A third Plant peptides - taking them to the next level. Journal 46% of the total, a 12% increase exceptionally-cited papers are of VIB highly-cited papers on VIB paper was included in the form of a study led of Experimental Botany. Edited by Barbara De Coninck over last year’s list. Most of related to recent breakthroughs in the VIB website. by Pierre Hilson (former VIB-UGent; Institut and Ive De Smet them investigate the molecular gut microflora (Jeroen Raes) and mechanisms of health and guidelines and clinical applications

SCIENCE 29 VIB RESEARCH MAY LEAD TO EFFECTIVE ALZHEIMER’S THERAPIES

Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 48 million people worldwide, eventually leaving them unable to care for themselves. In researching the activation mechanism of the Fyn kinase – a likely cause of Alzheimer’s disease – a team of scientists led by Nico van Nuland (VIB-VUB) and Tom Lenaerts (VUB-ULB) has shed new light onto how this kinase is controlled. Cells use kinases, which are enzymes, MAIZE TEAM to regulate processes like metabolism, signaling and nutrient transport, making them high-potential research targets. Nico and Tom’s research describes how Maize is an increasingly important model at VIB. Besides Front row from left to right: Charlot Nico van Nuland Fyn is regulated, paving the way for a drug with the potential to deactivate it the small group of people spearheading maize research, Versteele, Hilde Nelissen, Kirin Demuynck, and possibly halt or reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. gradually more research groups start to use maize to Jolien De Block, Xiaohuan Sun validate their findings in the lab, but also in field trials. Back row from left to right: Tom Van These are necessary steps towards securing sustainable Hautegem, Lennart Verbraeken, Kim Feys, Kinases are switched on and off patients. This is an important have been an invaluable asset plant derived products, which represents a Bernard Cannoot, Hironori Takasaki, by the cell using a mechanism breakthrough, as the only not only to our organization, mission of VIB. Nathalie Wuyts that disrupts how proteins treatments that currently exist but to the entire scientific interact on a molecular level for this disease only temporarily community. through side chains – chemical improve symptoms and do not groups directly attached to a address the underlying causes. Jo Bury (VIB): “Attracting Nico protein’s backbone that can from Granada to come and work influence the shape and function Paying tribute to a courageous at VIB was a great decision for Nico’s co-authors wish to honor him of the protein. By examining the collaborator and an excellent both sides. Nico brought his with a quote from Ithaka, a Greek specific toggling mechanism that scientist tremendous expertise in NMR poem by C.P. Cavafy. the Fyn enzyme uses to regulate The authors of this paper would technology to VIB and set up itself, the team gained valuable like to dedicate it to fellow our NMR centre in no time. His insight into the role that protein researcher and scientist Nico expertise and dedication was side chains play in the process. van Nuland, who was diagnosed amazing. His efforts made it Related research has showed with Amyotrophic Lateral possible to integrate the NMR that toggling off Fyn in mice with Sclerosis (ALS) a few years ago. technology into different sub- the disease reduces memory He has been courageously disciplines of life sciences. This problems in these mice. fighting this disease despite the interdisciplinary approach to poor prognosis. Without his studying disease pathways, and How Fyn leads to Alzheimer’s expert knowledge, lively support the possibility of revealing the disease and warm friendship, the team dynamics of protein structures The Fyn kinase is switched on asserts that these results would of different targets via NMR, through the activities of its never have been realized. have resulted in several side chains, causing it to alter scientific breakthroughs and a protein called Tau, eventually Nico, who specializes in protein- will continue to do so in the leading to the disintegration of protein interaction, is a world- future. Nico was always ready to crucial elements of brain cells. class scientist with very deep share his expertise with fellow This new research provides experience in nuclear magnetic researchers, which makes him drug developers with in-depth resonance spectroscopy. His a very valued and respected knowledge of the kinase’s expertise was hugely beneficial person within the regulatory system, possibly to this research, and his many VIB community.” leading to medicines that years of intensive work with VIB deactivate Fyn in Alzheimer’s and numerous collaborators Huculeci et al., Structure 2016

SCIENCE 31 GHENT-BASED RESEARCHERS ARE THE CREAM OF THE CROP IN RHEUMATOLOGY

Millions of people around the globe are currently suffering from rheumatism, which has a tremendous impact upon their lives and well-being. As an umbrella term, rheumatism covers dozens of specific diseases of the muscles, joints and bones – which require different treatments. Because an overall cure remains undiscovered,

patients and their associations are placing their hopes in science. Saying that VIB is Dirk Elewaut at the vanguard of global rheumatologic research may seem like a bold statement, but the recent achievements of Dirk Elewaut’s team (UGent-UZ Gent) at our VIB Inflammation Research Center speak for themselves. Ghent has been recognized these Ghent-based researchers and initiating enthesitis, the absence of worldwide as region of clinicians have received the 5-year A20 leads to the development of rheumatology excellence for some quality label. enthesitis. By using an inhibitor, the time now. In early September, this “Being a Center of Excellence means scientists were able to prevent the was once again illustrated by a that you’ve been recognized for increase of STAT1 and successfully gathering of world-leading experts being able to present both quality treat the inflammation. This in spondyloarthritis (one of the and quantity in publications,” approach may provide options for most commonly-occurring types of explains Dirk Elewaut, one of the patients for whom existing inhibitors inflammatory rheumatism) in Ghent driving forces. “Initiation into this offer no relief. for the world’s only spondyloarthritis ‘Ivy League of rheumatology’ was a biannual congress. real team effort. But achieving this The most recent feat of Dirk’s team Dirk Elewaut: “Our department label of excellence is one thing – describes a striking link between pioneered the use of anti-TNF maintaining it is the real endeavor. spondyloarthritis and the human therapy in spondyloarthritis around This is why we are planning to gut flora composition. Together with the year 2000, for what is now continue pooling together VIB and VIB’s gut flora expert Jeroen Raes a globally-used indication. And Ghent University’s basic research (VIB-KU Leuven), the researchers by combining the expertise of knowhow with Ghent University examined 27 spondyloarthritis VIB, Ghent University and Ghent Hospital’s clinical expertise and patients to find an abundance of University Hospital, we have further experience.” a particular gut microbe called strengthened our position.” Dialister, even in the disease’s The role of macrophages early stages. Consequently, these Ivy League of rheumatology and gut flora findings may provide opportunities Earlier this year, the alliance Two recent studies underline this for an improved diagnosis of between VIB, Ghent University ambition. The first one focused on spondyloarthritis. Dirk and his team and Ghent University Hospital was enthesitis, a commonly occurring are currently taking their research to awarded the prestigious quality label inflammation of tendons where they the next stage, trying to determine Center of Excellence by EULAR, a attach to the bone. In collaboration what’s so special about Dialister. To non-profit scientific and educational with the Geert van Loo lab (VIB- be continued! RHEUMATISM: FACTS AND FIGURES association dedicated to facilitating UGent), Dirk’s team proved that • There are over 200 different rheumatic diseases. knowledge transfer between macrophages that lack the anti- • Around 25% of all Europeans (120 million people) suffer from a rheumatic disease. research institutes and defending inflammatory protein A20 develop Drennan et al., Journal of Experimental • 20% of Europeans are undergoing long-term treatment for rheumatism. the interests of people with arthritis enthesitis. Since A20 suppresses Medicine paper 2016 before Europe’s governing bodies. the activation of STAT1, a signaling De Wilde et al., Ann Rheum Dis 2016 • The most common type is rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammation affecting the joints. It is the third time in a row that molecule that seems to be key in Tito et al., Arthritis Reumatol. 2016 • Women suffer from rheumatoid arthritis 2.5 times more frequently than men.

SCIENCE 33 DIVERSE VIB TEAM INVESTIGATES THE POSSIBILITIES OF PLANT PROTEINS

Although both plants and animals are made up of cells, plants are generally unable to relocate, and thus can’t migrate around freely like animals can. These constraints lead them to grow through cell division in three directions – forward, sideways or upwards – with proteins playing a role in giving cells the “identities” that eventually lead to wood and other plant tissues. A multidisciplinary group of scientists from the VIB Department of Plant Systems Biology and the VIB Medical Biotechnology Center recently collaborated on fundamental research that explores how the processes of plant root growth and patterning are affected by proteins – specifically, those that interact with a protein called ACR4. From left to right: Kun Yue, Tom Beeckman, Ive De Smet, Geert De Jaeger, Daniël Van Damme and Kris Gevaert

Investigating the allure “Intrigued by this mysterious that perform different the study. The tool allows us to development of leaves and to study ACR4. Plenty of new of roots stem cell layer, we stumbled functions, depending on their map protein-protein interactions seeds, but we don’t know very information was revealed, “At first sight, roots aren’t across the ACR4 protein kinase, interaction partners at any in all of their details,” notes much at all about its other including the identity of one exciting at all,” jokes Tom which plays a role in root given moment. Phosphorylation Ive De Smet. TAP comes with components.” of ACR4’s interaction partners, Beeckman, ‘root guru’ at the VIB development,” Tom explains. plays an important role in the advantage of being able protein PP2A-3. The team was Department of Plant Systems “Protein kinases can change how proteins respond to their to detect protein interactions Ive is convinced that the VIB also surprised to discover Biology. “Roots only become a protein’s 3D structure, and environments. To investigate in situ as they occur. “TAP, Plant Systems Biology labs are an unexpected biochemical interesting when you take a the cell uses a process called phosphorylation, scientists in combination with mass the ideal environments for feedback loop between ACR4 good look at their biology. phosphorylation to fine-tune must zoom in down to the spectrometry-based proteomics, performing this kind of top level and PP2A, in which ACR4 Without roots, plant growth how proteins adapt to different molecular level. “We use mass helped us to gain completely cross-domain research. “I’ve phosphorylates PP2A and PP2A and productivity wouldn’t be stimuli,” elaborates Kris Gevaert. spectrometry-based proteomics novel insights into plant lived abroad and have been dephosphorylates ACR4. possible.” Plant roots generally “Protein interactions play an to analyze phosphopeptides root development.” exposed to many different kinds follow an ‘open growth strategy’, important role in cell processes and thus determine the natures of research environments, so I Yue et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. growing and branching over the within plants and animals, which of – and actually measure – ACR4: can say this with conviction,” U.S.A. 2016 entire life of the plant to provide is why the study of protein phosphorylation events. There’s the most interesting protein he asserts. the plant’s aboveground parts networks results in some no other technology that gives Ive has been studying the ACR4 with water and nutrients. They interesting biological findings.” us such an in-depth look,” protein for a decade, ever since Multifaceted approach, have the ability to use a layer of says Kris. he was a PhD student in Tom surprising findings stem cells to create completely The crucial role of proteomics Beeckman’s lab. “This protein The key to the success of this different tissues on the fly by When proteins interact with “Geert De Jaeger’s ‘Tandem keeps getting more and more project was the multidisciplinary, responding to soil conditions. other proteins, they form Affinity Purification’ platform, interesting,” he says. “The ACR4 multi-technique approach highly dynamic complexes or TAP, was also important to equivalent in corn controls the that the diverse teams used

SCIENCE 35 Patrik Verstreken (VIB-KU Leuven) specializes in brain research, with a THE SYNAPSE SERIES particular focus on synapses. In various brain disorders, these junctions between SEPTEMBER 2016: POSSIBLE NEW TREATMENT FOR EPILEPSY nerve cells play a pivotal role. With an (Fischer et al., Nature Structural & Molecular Biology 2016) impressive series of leading papers Research carried out in collaboration with professor Wim Versées (VIB-Vrije Universiteit Brussel) came to a surprising HOW PATRIK VERSTREKEN’S published in the past few months, Patrik conclusion: increasing the concentration of specific fats in the brain is a possible strategy for preventing epileptic seizures. illustrates how focused and continued (see page 22) basic research can lead to breakthroughs BASIC RESEARCH ADVANCES applicable to a wide range of neurological diseases, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s OCTOBER 2016: DISRUPTION AT THE ROOT OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE UNCOVERED MULTIPLE FIELDS disease and Alzheimer’s disease. (Soukup et al., Neuron 2016) Research of the group of Patrik has shown for the first time that a malfunctioning stress-coping mechanism in the brain is at the root of Parkinson’s disease. Genetic mutations that cause Parkinson’s disease can prevent synapses from coping with the stress of intense brain activity. This damages the synapses and disrupts the transmission of brain signals. It is well-known that brain cells they maintain their function and Do you have any advice for ‘talk’ to one another through how does this go astray young researchers when it synapses. But while considerable in disease?” comes to pursuing NOVEMBER 2016: INSIGHTS INTO HOW ALZHEIMER’S SPREADS THROUGH THE BRAIN progress has been made in basic science? (Calafate et al., Cell Reports 2016) identifying the proteins present Your work clearly shows the “Sure. Follow your interests, Synapses play a pivotal role in the transmission of toxic proteins. This allows neurodegenerative diseases such as at the synapse, the roles of many importance of basic research. explore the world and above all, Alzheimer’s to spread through the brain. This was the main conclusion of research by Sara Calafate and Patrik, in of them in controlling synaptic Does it always come first believe in yourself. This will help collaboration with Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies (Johnson & Johnson). functions remain poorly defined. for you? you in spotting opportunities. That’s why Patrik has made it “Yes, all our work is ‘basic’ in However, once you spot an his business to fully understand nature, even when we study opportunity, you have to bring what happens at these crucial genes related to disease. I am focus to your ideas and brain junctions. convinced that the only way your work.” Patrik Verstreken to fundamentally understand Patrik, why are you specifically a disease is to delineate the interested in synapses? pathways affected and the Most exciting “Synapses are really the ‘business mechanisms by which the discoveries are unplanned, end’ of the brain. They transmit relevant proteins, lipids and electrical signals from one brain organelles operate. Taking so it’s important to cell to the next, and in doing shortcuts isn’t going to work and so, they adapt and modulate it is critically important that we explore broadly. the signals. The formation and continuously remind funding breakdown of these contacts bodies of that fact. In the past months, you have I believe there are great and the way they function are We haven’t seen any published new findings at a breakthroughs on the horizon as of critical importance to the major new medications for remarkable pace. How did you we start to understand more and way our brains ‘see’ and store neurodegenerative conditions manage this? more about synaptic function – information, like memories. in the last 30 years or so. This is “Strategic collaborations, and dysfunction. The intriguing thing is that because we do not sufficiently significant investments in neurons are extremely polarized. understand the mechanisms technology and the generation Synapses are often very far behind these diseases. It is of transgenic animals all help us away from the cell body, where well-accepted that conditions speed up our ability to conduct DNA is stored and proteins such as Alzheimer’s and experiments. That said, our are generated. Dopaminergic Parkinson’s disease originate recent publications are the neurons, for example, are over at the synapse. However, we result of projects that have been 5.5 meters long! In order to do not completely understand running for many years, thanks bridge this distance, synapses how synapses maintain their to the efforts of numerous need to operate independently functions throughout the life people. Our collaboration with for a large part. This is what we of an organism. We need to the Versées lab in Brussels, for are studying in the lab: how do understand how these diseases example, has been ongoing for synapses regulate their own are affecting the synaptic over five years and has three business independently? How do machinery.” lead authors.”

SCIENCE 37 THREE STEPS ADD UP TO ONE SUBSTANTIAL LEAP IN CANCER METABOLISM RESEARCH

The fight against cancer is a long and tough one, with many battles still to be won – but we are gradually gaining ground. One battlefield currently growing in importance is the cell metabolism. Thanks to the fine work of our VIB colleagues at the Cancer Research Center (VIB-KU Leuven), a number of essential breakthroughs were made during the last few months. As they are closely intertwined and may seem quite similar at first glance, we shed more light on the recent publications and mutual collaborations of Massimiliano Mazzone, Sarah-Maria Fendt and Peter Carmeliet.

The VIB Center for Cancer Biology, therapies will become.” to understanding the bigger picture with Diether Lambrechts at the The three studies, published in the of tumor metabolism,” says THE THREE PAPERS IN A NUTSHELL helm, is dedicated to unraveling renowned journals Cell Metabolism, Sarah-Maria. Peter agrees: “Our the molecular basis of vascular Cell Reports and Cancer Cell, are combined expertise gives added 1. MASSIMILIANO MAZZONE: biological processes and diseases, fundamental steps towards those value to our research projects, not “GLUCOSE COMPETITION BETWEEN MACROPHAGES AND BLOOD VESSEL CELLS” with a specific focus on angiogenesis kinds of targeted treatments. But only via our shared knowledge “We discovered that macrophages, a particular type of white blood cell, can be tuned to prevent the spread (the formation of blood vessels). The these labs wouldn’t have made and experience, but also through of cancer. The key is in making these macrophages more prone to ‘stealing’ glucose from the cells forming organization houses eight labs, each waves in the international scientific the exchange of state-of-the-art the tumor’s blood vessels. In other words: we install a glucose competition between the macrophages with its own scope and expertise, community without each other’s technologies. This increases the and the cells forming the blood vessels. As a result, the latter are not overstimulated by glucose anymore, among which number the labs of help. For example, the metabolism impact of our studies immensely.” leading to healthier, tighter and stronger tumor vessels. This could prevent cancer cells from spreading to Massimiliano, Sarah-Maria expertise of Peter’s team triggered If you take a look at pivotal biological other organs.” and Peter. Massimiliano to include this research discoveries, it is clear that great Wenes et al., Cell Metabolism 2016 angle in his project. And vice versa: science is rarely a solo effort. “The Different angles, viewpoints Peter benefitted from working with examples are numerous,” says 2. SARAH-MARIA FENDT: “DIFFERENT DRUGS FOR CANCER METASTASES THAN PRIMARY CANCERS” and collaborations the other Cancer Research Center Massimiliano. “Macrophages were “Today, the treatment of breast cancer derived lung metastasis is usually based on the genetic background The cancer metabolism field is labs because of their knowhow discovered by a zoologist, RNA of the primary breast cancer. However, these therapies often fail. We may have revealed one important a hot topic, that’s for sure. It is relating to tumor oxygen shortage silencing was first revealed in plants aspect in this failure. It appears that metastasizing cancer cells are able to adapt their metabolisms no coincidence that parameters and blood vessel formation before being applied intensively in to the specific organs they are invading. This is a response to subtle changes in the lung nutrient affecting cancer development – both (Massimiliano) and expertise in stable medicine, we owe green fluorescent microenvironment that override the influence of cancer-specific genes. So, our conclusion is that cancer growth and metastasis – are being isotope metabolite labeling and protein to a biochemist studying metastases should be treated with different drugs than the corresponding primary cancers.” discovered at a fast rate. “This is analysis (Sarah-Maria). an algae protein, and so on. These Christen et al., Cell Reports 2016 challenging, but also yields great game-changers are marked by opportunities,” confirms Sarah- Discoveries marked by multidisciplinary approaches or 3. PETER CARMELIET: “MULTIPLE BENEFITS OF RESTORING IMPAIRED TUMOR VESSELS” Maria. “After all, the mechanistic knowledge transfer knowledge transfers. “Our research started with the observation that overconsumption of glucose by tumor blood vessel understanding of cancer metabolism Tumors are sometimes studied The same applies to our cancer cells makes them fragile and permeable, and allows cancer cells to use them as ‘highways’ to spread to should be taken into account in the as homogeneous entities, but breakthroughs. I’m convinced that distant organs. We were able to manipulate the blood vessel cells’ metabolism and neutralize their sugar development of anti-cancer drugs. they actually consist of complex our future discoveries will also consumption by using a small molecular compound. Our results indicate that this approach could heal The more parameters we find, the interactions between cancer, involve benefitting from each the impaired tumor vessels, reduce metastatic spread and structure the vessels which resulted in a better more precise and personalized – stromal, and immune cells. “That is other’s strengths.” delivery of chemotherapy drugs and immune cells to the tumor.” and thus effective – why collaborations are indispensable Cantelmo et al., Cancer Cell 2016

SCIENCE 39 HOW OUR SWITCH LAB PLANS TO CATCH TUMORS IN A SPIDER’S WEB

Boiled eggs, beer foam and spider silk might seem unrelated at first glance. However, their proteins all share a similar structural element: amyloid. Although these ‘clumps’ of proteins are usually associated with disease development, their properties could be used to fight a wide array of conditions. Enter Pept-inTM: a brand-new technology platform that exploits the power of protein aggregation to develop novel medicines. Credits go to our From left to right: Filip Claes, Frederic Rousseau, Ladan Khodaparast, Joost Schymkowitz, Switch Laboratory (VIB-KU Leuven) and inventors Frederic Rousseau and Joost Schymkowitz (VIB-KU Leuven). Rodrigo Gallardo, Laleh Khodaparast, Frederik De Smet and Matyas Desager

Fighting human and collaborated with several TANGO algorithm in 2004, used practice, however, turned out in many aspects from competing In an era where the entire plant diseases research groups, both inside to predict protein aggregation. to be much more challenging platforms. Els: “Its novel mode field was working to prevent The principle of using amyloids and outside VIB, to demonstrate It is based on the short than initially anticipated and of action and designability aggregation, our lab turned to destroy the function of cancer that this technology could also stretch hypothesis of protein required many steps of technical and potential to knock down drivers? “Like catching oncogenic be suitable for a variety of other aggregation, which states that innovation and fine-tuning.” challenging intracellular disease things upside down. proteins in a spider’s web,” applications. These include short aggregation prone regions After a decade of intensive targets make this technology Frederic sums up. “But Pept- treating drug resistant bacterial in a protein drive its aggregation research, the Switch team was an attractive basis for the The first validated result of this inTM is valuable beyond cancer infections (in collaboration with in a sequence-specific manner. able to disclose information, development of groundbreaking new technology is called vascin, applications as well. Because Johan Van Eldere, KU Leuven), “In an era where the entire eventually leading to a medicines for a variety a designer amyloid that targets these principles apply to virtually combatting fungal infections (in field was working to prevent publication in the peer-reviewed of diseases.” a well-known cancer protein. any protein, our approach collaboration with the Patrick aggregation, our lab turned journal Science. Meanwhile, the In short, vascin penetrates a may also be useful in treating Van Dijck lab, VIB-KU Leuven) things upside down,” technology was subject to broad Science Paper Gallardo et al., Science in press 2016 cell and induces the formation drug-resistant infections. and even engineering improved remembers Joost. “After all, patent protection. of protein aggregates of its Although we don’t yet know if crops (in collaboration with the we were trying to induce the Paper with Van Eldere Lab target protein, VEGFR2. These functional amyloids could be lab of Jenny Russinova, controlled aggregation of New business strategies Bednarska et al., Mol Microbiol 2015

‘clumps’ are the result of VEGFR2 used in humans for therapeutic VIB-UGent). specific target proteins. Although In close collaboration with the Plant paper with Jenny proteins sticking together, applications, the potential for we wanted to understand the Switch Lab, VIB’s tech transfer Russinova Lab making them nonfunctional. novel drugs is huge. Our team The journey towards Pept-inTM difference between functional team is actively pursuing the Betti et al., Plant Physiology 2016 Because VEGFR2 is crucial to the will now spend the coming years Of course, developing an entirely and pathological aggregation, translation of this top science survival of certain cancer types, trying to turn this into direct new technology platform did the potential implications of achievement into societal value. its inactivation kills the cancer benefits for patients.” not happen overnight. The idea such a protein knock-down According to Els Beirnaert, cells and reduces the Apart from fighting tumor was first formulated shortly technology were immediately Senior Manager New Ventures tumor’s growth. growth, the Switch Lab after the publication of the apparent. Turning the idea into VIB, Pept-inTM differentiates itself

SCIENCE 41 5 6 QUICKSCAN #plant genomes #guidelines #biofilm #staphylococcus aureus

Genome sequencing is becoming cheaper and faster thanks to Biofilm formation byStaphylococcus aureus is a major problem next-generation sequencing techniques. Also for plants, dozens in hospitals. In collaboration with Françoise Van Bambeke (UCL), of new genome sequences have been released in recent years, the Patrick Van Dijck lab (VIB-KU Leuven) discovered a new way ranging from small to gigantic repeat-rich, or polyploid, genomes. to treat these biofilms using an antifungal drug. This antifungal 1 2 Obviously, the complexity of a genome poses major challenges to drug targets bacterial extracellular matrix production, allowing #immunology #translational science #protein quantification #genome editing obtaining a contiguous and complete genome sequence where all antibiotics, which are normally trapped in the matrix, to reach the genes are correctly identified. The lab of Klaas Vandepoele (VIB- cells and kill them. This finding is important as it opens up novel Mice are not humans. It is trite, but true, and successful In collaboration with other VIB labs, the Sven Eyckerman lab (VIB- UGent), in collaboration with Elisabeth Veeckman and Tom Ruttink avenues to tackling the problem of bacterial biofilm formation. manipulation of the human immune system requires a UGent) designed a universal quantitative mass spectrometry (MS) from ILVO, performed a systematic analysis on how to reliably comprehensive understanding of human immunology. A key assay by mining the proteome of P. furiosus for peptides with estimate the completeness of a genome assembly and annotated Siala et al., Nature Communications 2016 factor in human immunology, often lost in inbred mouse optimal MS properties. Using CRISPR-Cas9, these peptides were gene space. Different measures of completeness were compared strains and SPF conditions, is the enormous diversity present fused to endogenous proteins, enabling sensitive quantification in twelve recently-published plant genomes. Several cases were from individual to individual. This review of the Adrian Liston in complex samples without prior enrichment, and enabling highlighted in which dissimilar completeness scores are the group (VIB-KU Leuven) synthesizes the recent advances in endogenous protein-protein interaction studies. consequence of technical issues of assembly or annotation, understanding human diversity, and the genetic, environmental or due to strong biases in the expected gene space. A set of and intrinsic forces that shape that diversity. Vandemoortele et al., Scientific Reports 2016 guidelines were formulated to help plant scientists in delivering better plant genome sequences, which are the templates for new Liston et al., Trends in Immunology 2016 biological discoveries and applications.

Veeckman et al., The Plant Cell 2016 3 4 7 8 #sepsis #inflammation #AMPK #nuclear receptors #food deprivation #SYNJ1 deficiency # phosphoinositide phosphatase #alzheimers #ABCA7 #synaptic vesicle recycling In their search for solutions for sepsis, the research team of Researchers at VIB and the Pasteur Institute in Lille uncovered Evidence is accumulating that premature termination codon Claude Libert (VIB-UGent) recently contributed two papers that a novel adaptation mechanism to food deprivation. Using SYNJ1 encodes a polyphosphoinositide phosphatase mutations in ABCA7 contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. The help define new therapeutic targets. In the first paper, published genome-wide ChIP- and RNA-seq analyses in primary murine (Synaptojanin 1) with a prominent role in synaptic vesicle Christine Van Broeckhoven lab (VIB-UAntwerp) performed a in PNAS, they describe an easy way to detect variant alleles in hepatocytes, Dariusz Ratman from the team of Karolien De recycling dynamics. Leading the genetic analyses within a large detailed clinical and pathological characterization of mutation the genome of any mouse strain by developing new algorithms. Bosscher (VIB-UGent) revealed a cross-talk between activated GR European consortia on rare epileptic syndromes (EuroEpinomics), carriers. While carriers had classical Alzheimer’s disease, a wide They show proof of principle using Mus spretus, a mouse species and PPARα. Prolonged hepatocyte fasting coincides with gene the lab of Peter De Jonghe (VIB-UAntwerp) identified three onset age range and high familial load were noted, indicative of displaying extreme resistance to sepsis. In the second paper, promoter recruitment of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein families with autosomal recessive SYNJ1 variants. Premature intermediate to high penetrance, warranting further analysis of Sriram Balusu, a VIB International PhD student (VIB-UGent) shared kinase (AMPK) at key GR/PPARα co-controlled genes involved in stop variants were shown to almost completely abolish mRNA their clinical relevance. with Kris Gevaert (VIB-UGent) and Roosmarijn Vandenbroucke lipid/glucose metabolism. Overnight fasting in mice confirmed transcript production and, in collaboration with Pietro De Camilli (VIB-UGent), describes how micro RNAs are released by the chromatin association of activated AMPK specifically at GR/PPARα (Yale School of Medicine, US), a missense variant was found to Van den Bossche et al, Neurology 2016 choroid plexus in exosomes in the cerebrospinal fluid during target genes, establishing a direct role for AMPK in regulating impair, but not abolish, the dual phosphatase activity of SYNJ1. A sepsis. The micro RNAs communicate with the brain and thus transcription in the nucleus. previously reported SYNJ1 variant selectively abolished only one provide a new, targetable way of communication between the of two consecutive phosphatase domains, leading to an early periphery and brain. Ratman et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2016 onset parkinsonism. These results provide evidence that a critical reduction of the dual phosphatase activity of Synaptojanin 1 Steeland et al., PNAS, 2016 underlies a severe disorder with neonatal refractory epilepsy and Balusu et al., EMBO Mol Med, 2016 a neurodegenerative disease course.

Hardies et al., Brain 2016 Science 43 TECH WATCH: SINGLE CELL TECHNOLOGIES AGROSAVFE’S DESIGNER Technologies for single-cell analysis are providing extraordinary novel insights into the complexity of PROTEINS FOR CROP biological systems such as tissue heterogeneity, gene expression dynamics, cellular development and disease progression. The Tech Watch team has seen significant growth in companies with technologies PROTECTION PROVE that can manipulate single cells on an unprecedented level. Below are a few companies we believe are developing next-gen platforms for single cell analysis: THEIR WORTH

The product name Agrobodies® might sound like something out of science-fiction, but they are actually small designer proteins that can be tweaked to fight crop pests and diseases and are created by the VIB spin off company AgroSavfe. In September 2016, AgroSavfe successfully raised EUR 7.8 million to further develop Agrobodies® BERKELEY LIGHTS sample from the same cell. This opens up into effective biopesticides, which are designed to control key fun- The US company Berkeley Lights has developed opportunities for novel cell exposure experiments gal diseases on a wide range of crops. a disruptive technology that is enabling a with the ability to directly analyze the effects of fundamentally new approach to biology for different treatments on single cells. Taking the massively parallel and automated selection, FluidFM technology one step further, it has even manipulation, and analysis of thousands of cells, been speculated that it may be possible to use FUNDING TO DEVELOP NOVEL BIOFUNGICIDES at the push of a button. FluidFM to transplant the content of cell nuclei, Fighting harmful plant pests and diseases with proteins: this Their OptoSelectTM visible light technology thus enabling the construction of artificial cells. is the goal of Belgian agro-biotech company AgroSavfe, which uses low intensity visible light to visualize and Learn more on the Cytosurge website. has secured EUR 7.8 million that will fund the development manipulate selected cells based on surface markers of its innovative Agrobodies® - proteins that can fight crop or morphology in a nanofluidic system. Applications PRIMITY BIO pathogens – into effective new biofungicides. These proteins consist of: single cell sequencing including locating The US company Primity Bio has developed an work by binding to essential elements of diseases, insects and annotating very rare cells (e.g. analysis of assay platform for high-throughput analysis of cell and other crop threats, destroying them or making them tumor heterogeneity), antibody discovery by surfaces and pathway phenotyping. The platform ineffective. As these proteins are highly specific and readily measuring secretion of single cells, and cell line can profile more than 100 intracellular readouts degradable in nature, Agrobodies® are safe for growers, development and screening. See more info on the after treatment with potential drugs (antibodies/ consumers and the environment. AgroSavfe plans to focus its Berkeley Lights website. small molecules/ligands etc.), allowing drug activity development efforts on the fruit and vegetable market at first, mapping across cellular signaling networks, moving to fungicides for cereals and soybeans at a later stage. CYTOSURGE measuring phosphorylation, acetylation, and total The Swiss company Cytosurge have developed a protein levels. Furthermore, 400 surface proteins Next to renowned investment organizations such as Gimv, technology called FluidFM whereby a nanosyringe with multiple panels of antibodies and stains PMV, Biovest and Agri Investment Fund, there is also an is used to penetrate living single cells (without can be analyzed to give high resolution maps of industrial partner (Globachem NV) and VIB. killing them), and subsequently extract specific single cell surfaces. Visit the Primity Bio website to “This is a technology with amazing breadth, and it’s easy to organelles/cytoplasm for downstream molecular discover more. manufacture – the market potential is enormous,” says Koen analysis such as enzyme activity or gene For more information on the technologies of Quaghebeur, president of Globachem NV. transcription. This unique technology allows these companies and for answers to further Johan Cardoen (Managing Director VIB) is also enthusiastic: analysis of cells in their native conditions (e.g. questions, please contact the Tech Watch team at “This provides the necessary funds for AgroSavfe to transform within a tissue culture) with the ability to repeatedly [email protected]. its high-potential leads in biofungicides into real products.”

TECHNOLOGY 45 VIB TECH TRANSFER TAKES RESEARCH TO PRIVATE PARTNERS AND BEYOND

As important as fundamental research is to new insights and discoveries, VIB is also committed to transforming those insights into real products, crops, medicines and therapies that improve lives. So, who is enabling those essential links between the scientists and businesses with the capabilities of taking VIB’s research results to the next level? That’s where the VIB Tech Transfer team comes into play. Jan Staelens, Business Development Manager in VIB’s TT team, describes why collaboration with industry is the key to real-life solutions, and gives us the scoop on how it’s done at VIB.

Scientists are excellent at what they they can pour all their attention into Jan: “We have to know what files Jan: “The backbones of these projects VIB Tech Transfer kick-started Danish pharma company ALK is do – excellent science. But what has their projects. everybody is working on, and we are usually the deep understandings VIB Discovery Sciences recently a good example of a long-term to happen to take the information Jan Staelens: “It’s an extremely have to understand the science shared by the scientists on both to enable scientists to engage in collaboration. Both ALK and VIB and discoveries that result from multidisciplinary team here at Tech intimately. Most of these projects are sides. Of course, there has to be a early drug discovery projects based have deep expertise in allergy basic research and extrapolate it to Transfer – we have people with incredibly focused, and it’s good match with the project and the on scientific breakthroughs. A immunotherapy, and the goal of develop tangible products with the backgrounds as diverse as pharma, up to us to find the best link scientists involved, but the partner recent example of such a project the alliance is to learn together, power to change the world? Tech life sciences, plant biotechnology between companies, scientists company has to have the is run with Biopontis, a nonprofit, contribute together and build transfer is a key element of VIB’s and even veterinary science. It’s and VIB projects.” ability to take the file toward charitable alliance with the objective relationships while working overarching vision, and involves a always useful to approach problems commercialization. And trust of treating an ultra-rare disorder together on different allergy blend of good science, good from different angles – that’s how Launching the process of between all parties involved called Charcot-Marie-Tooth immunotherapy projects. business and good communication innovation happens.” commercialization is essential for a successful disease. This project is based on Jan: “VIB’s resident allergy expert, to be successful. Being up-to-date on current VIB collaboration.” scientific insights generated by Bart Lambrecht, is extremely visible And it’s not all about projects gives the Tech Transfer the lab of Albena Jordanova and in the scientific community, and Doing business and keeping commercialization – two-way learning Team the information they need to Even though a project looks supported through the VIB Discovery this also attracted the attention of scientists focused is also an important result. VIB can identify the right corporate partners. promising and the corporate partner Sciences team. The nonprofit has ALK. The alliance between ALK and A scientist by training, Jan has been gain valuable insight into how to Sometimes, corporate partners is a great match, it’s never easy an excellent relationship with VIB is focused less on developing with the Tech Transfer Team at VIB move projects forward from partner contact VIB scientists directly to to get a good grip on the project’s patient organizations and is closely a very specific product right now since 2008. The program forges companies and organizations – engage, or the Tech Transfer team potential at such an early stage. connected to patient needs. Both and more on fostering this great fruitful, long-lasting, mutually 50% of which are Flemish, with the connects with suitable companies in Attrition can be very high, especially sides bring science and expertise contributive relationship. It’s a beneficial relationships between remaining half spread across the their network or at trade fairs and in drug discovery, but taking these together with the long-term aim very early collaboration with no VIB projects and scientists on the globe. And because the Tech Transfer conferences. Once a good fit is found, risks is the only path to those world- to identify an innovative drug intellectual property involved; we’re one hand, and funders, nonprofits team works closely with scientists it’s up to Tech Transfer to get involved changing medicines and therapies. development avenue for CMT. together to teach and learn from or private companies on the other. and companies in many areas of life in the process as early as possible each other – another key element of The program also takes the more sciences, they really have to ‘know and negotiate the agreements that VIB Discovery Sciences enables VIB and ALK: working together tech transfer.” business-focused responsibilities their stuff’ so-to-speak. will lead to collaborations. translation towards product for the long haul out of the hands of VIB scientists so development with Biopontis VIB’s strategic alliance with

Jan Staelens Business 47 WHERE? Electron Microscopy Platform at the VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, KU Leuven WHO? Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, Natalia Gonko began her undergraduate education with neuroscience and has continued along this path, completing her PhD in this field at the University of Groningen. Since 2014, she has been the Electron Microscopy Unit Manager at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology/ BIG ENTRANCES Institute of Medical Biology at A*Star in Singapore. NATALIA GONKO

WHERE? Thomas Jacobs Lab at the VIB Department of Plant Systems Biology, UGent AND VENERABLE WHO? Having received his PhD in plant breeding genetics and genomics in 2014 from the University of Georgia, Thomas Jacobs is fascinated by the application of biotechnology to create useful plants. His areas of interest are genome editing, small RNA pathways and gene silencing, and he holds a patent covering EXITS AT VIB compositions and methods of gene silencing in plants. THOMAS JACOBS

Whether they are new PI’s joining us or experienced ones pursuing exciting new opportunities, we would WHERE? like to take a moment and respectively extend a warm welcome and a special thanks. Aya Takeoka Lab at the Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders, Imec WHO? Aya Takeoka received her PhD from the University of California in molecular, cellular and integrative physiology in 2010. A postdoc fellow in biomedical research at the University of Basel in Switzerland for the last 6 years, Aya has a keen interest in neuroscience – specifically neural regeneration – and has been INCOMING PIs involved in many publications and has given talks in Europe, Japan and the United States in this field. AYA TAKEOKA

WHERE? WHERE? Stein Aerts Lab at the VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, KU Leuven Alan Urban Lab at the Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders, Imec WHO? WHO? Stein Aerts has a double degree in bio-engineering and computer science, and Hailing from France, Alan Urban is an alumnus of Henri Poincaré in Nancy, started his career as bioinformatics consultant. After two years in Pharma/Biotech France. He completed his PhD in molecular biology in 2007, following which he industry, he moved back to the University of Leuven where he obtained his PhD did his postdoc in neuroscience at l’Ecole Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie in Bioinformatics from the School of Engineering. As FWO postdoctoral fellow he Industrielles de Paris (ESPCI). He holds two patents and his areas of expertise studied Drosophila regulatory genomics at VIB and was visiting postdoc at IBDML include imaging, fluorescence microscopy, optogenetics actuators & sensors, in France. He became Assistant Professor at KU Leuven in 2009, where he started and electrophysiology. STEIN AERTS the Laboratory of Computational Biology at the Department of Human Genetics. ALAN URBAN

WHERE? WHERE? Gabriele Bergers at the VIB Cancer Research Center, KU Leuven Transgenic Mouse Core Facility at the VIB Inflammation Research Center, UGent WHO? WHO? Educated in Germany, Austria and California, Gabriele Bergers has had a long A Belgian native, Leen Vanhoutte will start as a PI after already several career cancer research and neurological education, principally at the University years working with Bart Lambrecht at the Inflammation Research Center. of California San Francisco. She is an experienced lecturer, speaker and reviewer With an undergraduate background in industrial science, biochemistry and with numerous awards, honors and fellowships under her belt. Her areas of biotechnology, she completed her PhD in medical science at Ghent University interest include tumor microenvironment, angiogenesis, tumor inflammation, and now specializes in various aspects of embryology. She will lead the stem cells, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, resistance mechanisms to therapy Transgenic Mouse Core Facility together with Tino Hochepied. GABRIELE BERGERS and various forms of cancer. LEEN VANHOUTTE

People 49 OUTGOING PIs

BASSEM HASSAN FRANS VAN ROY CLAUDIA BAGNI GEERT BERX PATRICK CALLAERTS Bassem Hassan will be bidding After his research career as group Claudia Bagni will be leaving the Continuing his cancer research As of January 1, 2017, Patrick adieu to his 15-year group leader at the VIB Inflammation VIB Center for the Biology of at the University of Ghent, Geert Callaerts will be continuing leadership role at the VIB Center Research Center at Ghent Disease, KU Leuven to take on Berx will be leaving the VIB his research in behavioral and for the Biology of Disease, KU University, Frans Van Roy was a new role as the Chair of the Inflammation Research Center developmental genetics solely Leuven as of January 1, 2017 to retired from October this year. Department of Fundamental as of January 1, 2017. for KU Leuven, after a 14-year start a new research group at Neurosciences at the University career as group leader at the VIB ICM in Paris. of Lausanne, Switzerland as of Laboratory of Behavioral and January 1, 2017. Developmental Genetics, KU Leuven.

People 51 AWARDS & GRANTS

VIB talent attracts the attention of esteemed supporters of science from around the world. Here’s a quick overview of the achievements of VIB scientists who have been recognized for their vision, curiosity, dedication and excellent science during the past quarter. A hearty congratulations to every one!

PETER VANDENABEELE HOLGER GERHARDT Peter Vandenabeele of the VIB Inflammation Research Center at Holger Gerhardt, group leader at the VIB Center for Ghent University was presented with the prestigious Jürg Tschopp Cancer Biology of KU Leuven, is included in the 125th Science Award for Excellence by the leading-edge scientific journal anniversary publication of the Lister Institute as part of Cell Death & Differentiation. He received it for his pioneering work in the Lister Institute Top 10. He is included among mainly the domain of cell death and inflammation. historical names as a recent example of a scientist funded by the Lister Institute. We stand on the shoulders of giants, and Jürg Tschopp was one of them. Despite the fact that he was an extremely talented scientist, I remember him as a humble, accessible and amiable person, always ready to discuss and to encourage young scientists to pursue their results even when they do not fit the current concepts.

CHRISTINE VAN BROECKHOVEN BERT DE RYBEL Bert De Rybel, scientist at the VIB Department of Plant Christine Van Broeckhoven, director of the VIB Department of Systems Biology, UGent, was awarded an ERC Starting Molecular Genetics, UAntwerp, has been awarded the INSEAD Grant by the European Commission, consisting of Innovator Prize of 2016 for her groundbreaking research, which nearly EUR 1.5 million over 5 years. As one of the most is described by the selection committee as a cornerstone in the prestigious grants for young researchers in the EU, it is analysis of the genetic basis of neurodegeneration. Her findings designed to encourage young talented research leaders have helped advance understanding of neurodegenerative to gain independence and build their careers. dementia, and her dedication to societal engagement has touched the lives of many people affected by these diseases. Receiving the ERC Starting Grant is one of those special moments when you feel both supported by the scientific community and excited by the opportunity to tackle the next big question in your line of research.

LUCAS TREPS Lucas Treps, postdoctoral researcher at the VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, was one of 14 happy winners to be awarded EUR 25,000 by the French Bettencourt Scheuller Foundation, which provides young scientists with the funds they need to complete their postdoctoral internships at the highest-quality foreign laboratories.

People 53 Evgenia Salta, Carlo Sala Frigerio and Heather Rice 20 YEARS

SCIENCE

HEATHER RICE, EVGENIA SALTA AND CARLO SALA FRIGERIO Heather Rice, Evgenia Salta and Carlo Sala Frigerio (VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, KU Leuven) were awarded Research Fellowships of $150,000 each by the Alzheimer’s Association. The fellowship program supports exceptional researchers in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias engaged in their post-graduate work for up to three years.

Evgenia’s project is titled “Functional validation of miR-132 loss in AD and therapeutic targeting”, and this grant will fund her further research on the effects of microRNA loss on Alzheimer’s disease pathology and the potential of microRNA replacement in clinical therapy.

Heather’s project concerns “Selective vulnerability of interneurons in Alzheimer’s disease.” The grant will allow her to investigate the physiological function of amyloid precursor protein in this subset of interneurons and the contribution of those interneurons to amyloid plaque formation and hippocampal circuit dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease.

Carlo’s research project is titled “Somatic mutations as pathogenic drivers in sporadic Alzheimer’s disease”. He will use his grant to analyze the DNA of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease patients to look for causative somatic mutation and model the occurrence of these mutations LIFE in mice to characterize the mechanisms responsible for the propagation of disease from the mutant focus to the entire brain.

People 55 THE VIB BIOTECH TOUR IS COMING TO TOWN

Since October 2016, our biotech tour has been moving from town to town, treating people to a captivating exposition as well as ‘biotech talks’ to celebrate VIB’s 20th anniversary.

20 J EXPOSITION FOR THE WIN TALKING BIOTECH TEDX EVENT TO BE PROUD OF After kicking off in Brussels, the expo- On October 13, 2016 we kick-started On November 30, 2016 Saskia Lippens sition moved to Antwerp and Hasselt our first ‘biotech talk’ – which took (VIB-UGent) and Steven Boeynaems before setting up shop in Ghent. place at Antwerp University Hospital. (VIB-KU Leuven) shared their passion Bringing biotech research closer to The central theme? Citizen science. for research, art and positive societal society, we went from university cam- The interview with Christine Van impact at TEDxUHasseltSalon – puses to hospitals, and also reached Broeckhoven on Radio 2 during the taking the floor alongside artist Koen about 3000 people during the Day of popular ‘De Madammen’ show was Vanmechelen and Jack van Horssen Science on November 27, 2016. the ideal extra trigger to get attention (UHasselt). With a baseline like ‘life is for this very relevant aspect of scien- science’, their biotech talk was bound tific work. to receive a lot of attention.

Christine Van Broeckhoven (VIB- Saskia: “An amazing experience! It was UAntwerp) talked about the pressing also great to see how many young An amazing experience! It was need for volunteers for her research people are motivated to keep their also great to see how many on Alzheimer’s disease. Meanwhile, finger on the pulse of what’s happing young people are motivated to Doris Vandeputte discussed how the in the world of science and beyond.” keep their finger on the pulse of Flemish Gut Flora Project (VIB-KU what’s happing in the world of Leuven) counts on the support of Steven: “Participate in a TEDx thousands of volunteers, and Bart conference? I didn’t have to think science and beyond. Loeys (UZA) took us behind the scenes twice! I really appreciated the support

Saskia Lippens about TEDx of heart disease research at Antwerp from both our VIB HQ and the University Hospital. Quite some atten- TEDx community.” dants signed up as volunteers at the end of this evening.

You can still join the biotech tour on its cross-country trip in: • Ghent, until January 13, 2017; JOIN IN • Leuven, from January 16 until February 12, 2017; • Brussels, from February 13 until February 19, 2017.

What’s more, the tour will come to a festive close on February 20, 2017 at the Flemish Parliament in Brussels. More info at www.biotechtour.be.

Events 57 COLOPHON

Responsible Publisher

Jo Bury

VIB vzw

Rijvisschestraat 120

9052 GENT

BELGIUM

From left to right: Sten Linnarsson, Thomas Riemensperger, Karthik Shekhar, Grant Belgard, Luis de la Torre-Ubieta, John Marioni, Mike McConnell, Amita Sehgal, Ed Lein, Naomi Habib, Guoping Fan, Michael Vanlandewyck, Megan Chief Editor Crow, Joakim Lundeberg, Simon Hippenmeyer, Bart De Strooper, Je Hyuk Lee, Jo Bury, Matthew Holt, Thierry Voet Sooike Stoops

Co-ordinator PAST CONFERENCE 19 invited speakers emphasized the Sehgal (University of Pennsylvania, UPCOMING CONFERENCE After a sold-out 2015 edition, multidisciplinary nature of the field, US) during the ‘Meet the Expert’ RNGS17 will look at emerging tools Tiny Sterck FULL HOUSE AT FIRST EDITION with subjects ranging from genome session. REVOLUTIONIZING NEXT- and approaches for: OF VIB CONFERENCE ‘THE sequencing and epigenetics to the GENERATION SEQUENCING • Large-scale sequencing BRAIN MOSAIC: CELLULAR optical control of defined cell types 92 scientists participated in the (SECOND EDITION) • Applications for current and Photography in neural circuits. Keynote talks ‘Single Cell Analysis’ training course emerging next-generation HETEROGENEITY IN THE CNS’ Ine Dehandschutter were given by Chris Walsh (Harvard organized by the VIB training team Antwerp, March 20 – 21, 2017 sequencing platforms Leuven, September 22 – 23, 2016 Medical School, US) on ‘Somatic the day before the conference. The • Single-cell genomics VIB organized the first edition of a mutation and genomic diversity in training focused on different tools, Enabled by better cost-performance • Epigenetics All Enquiries conference titled ‘The Brain Mosaic’ the human cerebral cortex’ and Sten technologies and approaches to curves and new tech developments, • Next-gen transcriptomics in Leuven. With over 200 attendees, Linnarsson (Karolinska Institute, SE) isolate, prepare and analyze single next-generation sequencing technologies VIB HQ of which more than 40% came from on ‘Molecular anatomy of the brain cells, and concluded with a panel technologies keep on pushing the • Ultra-long reads and assembly abroad, the conference was sold out. by large-scale single-cell discussion. Many tips and tricks for boundaries of scientific knowledge. • Computational genomics and Rijvisschestraat 120 Recent advances in technology now RNA-sequencing’. single cell analysis experiments were The NGS field is still expanding, data analysis 9052 GENT allow us to explore multiple aspects shared in talks from 10 trainers. and to take advantage of new of heterogeneity at the single cell Five young scientists were selected opportunities offered by these The full speaker’s lineup BELGIUM level. The Brain Mosaic conference for a short talk during the plenary technologies in life sciences, VIB (44 speakers from academia Tiny Sterck gathered key opinion leaders to sessions, and 44 junior scientists Conferences will host the second and industry) can be found at address the technologies and presented a poster. In addition, edition of ‘Revolutionizing next- www.vibconferences.be E-mail: [email protected] questions that will shape the attendees had the chance to join a generation sequencing, a tools and Tel.: +32 9 244 66 11 field in the coming years. round table discussion with Amita technologies meeting’. Fax: +32 9 244 66 10

www.vib.be

Events MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Biotech Tour January 25, 2017 - Leuven

ER Stresss, Autophagy & Immune System January 26-27, 2017 – Bruges

Apotheosis Biotech Tour February 20, 2017 - Brussels