Van Breusegem Frank

Van Breusegem Frank - Group leader

Frank Van Breusegem obtained his Bachelor and Master degree at Ghent University. He is a group leader of the Oxidative Stress Signaling group at the VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology (since 2001); full professor at Ghent University and he recently was elected vice-chair of the Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University). Since his early studies under the supervision of em. Prof. Marc Van Montagu, he focuses on the molecular impact of oxidative stress on plant cells. He obtained his PhD from Ghent University (1997) with work on “Engineering Stress Tolerance in Maize”. Nowadays, the primary objective of the Van Breusegem lab is the identification and functional analysis of regulatory gene and protein networks involved in the oxidative stress response in plants. Ultimately, he aims to translate this knowledge into biotechnological crop efficiency concepts. The lab has played a pioneering role in determining H2O2-dependent molecular and physiological responses in plants. The Van Breusegem lab is internationally recognized mainly because of its successful multi-omics driven approaches that allowed to identify several key targets in the oxidative stress response. Frank Van Breusegem has published more than 150 peer-reviewed publications (Clarivate h-index=59), is a frequent invited speaker and is monitoring editor of the leading plant journal “Plant Physiology”.

ROS

Reactive Oxygen Species

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules formed as natural byproducts of cellular metabolism in plants. These molecules include superoxide radicals (O2•−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radicals (•OH), and singlet oxygen (^1O2). 
While ROS play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including growth, development, and defense responses, excessive accumulation of ROS can lead to cellular damage, known as oxidative stress.

CropPrime

BIOSTIMULANTS FROM NATURE

Biostimulants can improve crop productivity in a sustainable way and offer a plausible alternative to the heavily criticized synthetic agrochemicals. To achieve their full potential a science-based understanding of their beneficial effects and avenues for fine-tuning of their bioactivities are of utmost importance.
Frank Van Breusegem's group joins this effort with a set of proprietary Arabidopsis lines crucial for a mode of action discovery and know-how and expertise in chemical biology and stress signaling.