Alongside studying the evolution of duplicated genomes through experimental evolution, we also investigate the evolution of polyploid genomes using computer-based in-silico simulations. These simulations involve tracking the evolution of (duplicated) artificial genomes that encode gene regulatory networks, providing valuable insights into the dynamics and adaptation of polyploid systems.
Seagrasses are unique flowering plants, adapted to a fully submerged existence in the highly saline environment of the ocean, where they must root in reducing sediments, endure chronic light limitation and withstand considerable hydrodynamic forces. In spite of these obstacles, the 80 or so species are among the most widely distributed flowering plants with recently measured estimates of coverage ranging from 600,000 km² to a modeled value of 1.6 million km².
The African Orphan Crops Consortium (AOCC) aims to sequence, assemble and annotate the genomes of more than 100 traditional neglected or under-utilized African crops, as well as to re-sequence hundred lines for each species.
These reference genomes are made available through our online genome annotation system ORCAE at http://bioinformatics.psb.ugent.be/orcae/aocc
Gene analyses revealing the capacity of marine flowering plants to exist under changing environmental conditions provide clues for the conservation and sustainable use of important ecosystems
Prof. Yves Van de Peer has been appointed as Scientific Director of the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, succeeding Prof. Dirk Inzé, who recently retired from this position.
