The Devreese lab is the Protein Research Unit of the Laboratory of Microbiology at Ghent University. We have a long expertise in implementing nanoLC MS, 2D LCMS and MALDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometry in qualitative and quantitative proteomics. We also implement ion mobility MS in the structural characterization of proteins.
Our current research focuses on microbial proteomics, which covers two major items. The first part of the research is aiming to understand mechanisms of bacterial virulence and antimicrobial resistance. We study protein secretion, outer membrane vesicles, and proteins involved in persistence with respect to micro-organisms (Burkholderia cenocepacia, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia) that are generally considered as opportunistic pathogens causing major complications in immunocompromised patients, among which patients with cystic fibrosis. In addition, we perform fecal metaproteomics to functionally characterize the interplay between host inflammation symptoms and the microbiota upon intestinal infection.
The second research topic is focusing on deciphering bottlenecks in metabolic and protein engineering efforts towards the production of recombinant proteins and fine chemicals using production hosts like Pichia pastoris and Escherichia coli.
Bart Devreese also coordinates the Ghent University Expertise Center for Proteomics. This center provides access to and support in protein analytics and proteomics analysis and groups the Deforce, Devreese, Gevaert and Impens labs at Ghent University. Info and applications for access to this service is possible via proteogent@ugent.be.