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Jan Michiels

VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, BE
Biography

Jan Michiels is full Professor at the KU Leuven Faculty of Bioscience Engineering and Director of the Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics. In 2017 he joined the Center for Microbiology of the VIB. His research focuses on bacterial genetics, evolution, ecology, interactions and pathogenesis, with a special emphasis on the mechanisms underlying tolerance to stress and antibiotics. The primary focus of the Michiels lab is to uncover the basic molecular principles of bacterial persistence and how bacteria enter or exit this state. Persisters comprise a small subpopulation of bacteria that display transient tolerance to supra-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms may help to develop new therapeutic approaches to combat pathogenic bacteria. From an evolutionary point of view, the group explores how bacterial populations adapt persistence characteristics by genetic mutations or epigenetic modifications during fluctuating antibiotic regimens. In this context, the link between persistence and the evolution of genetic antibiotic resistance is also examined. Scientists in the Michiels lab use genetic approaches combined with ‘omics’ analyses (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics), advanced microscopy and microfluidics as well as bioinformatics examinations and mathematical modelling. Research is performed both at population and at single-cell levels as well as during interaction with the eukaryotic host (cellular and animal models). More information can be found at www.michielslab.org.

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