Evolutionary Genomics of Sex

Principal Investigator

Wen-Juan is currently a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. She obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Groningen (The Netherlands). She then conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Lausanne (Switzerland), Amherst College (MA, USA), and the University of Kansas (KS, USA). She broadly explores how sex chromosomes evolve, differentiate and their dynamics, the genetics and evolution of sex determination, and how endosymbionts manipulate host reproduction. She is also interested in the evolutionary consequences of such interactions and the role of selfish genetic elements in shaping sex chromosome evolution.

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Email: wen-juan.ma[@]vub.be
Bluesky: @wenjuanma84.bsky.social

Senior scientist

Paris is interested in the interplay between sexually antagonistic selection, sex chromosome evolution and environmental adaptation. For more information see his website.

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Postdoc fellow

Barbora has been mainly trying to unravel the mystery of evolution of sex chromosomes and their differentiation in reptiles primarily with cytogenetic methods. She was especially interested in sex chromosomes evolution in snakes, which were inspiration for the canonical model of sex chromosome differentiation (Ohno 1967). Currently, she shifted her focused towards frogs to investigate the genetic and possible epigenetic mechanisms underlying the sex determination in frogs.

Email: barbora.augstenova[@]vub.be
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Postdoc fellow

During his PhD thesis, Fantin studied non-recombining regions on mating-type chromosomes in the anther amut fungal genus Microbotryum. He has two years break from academic research and he has been dedicated to his family and to his work in an informatics company, he decided to take up the challenge to come back into research. He is still interested in evolutionary genomics and sex chromosomes. Besides his work, he is a music lover. He also enjoys sport, yoga and reading.

Email: fantin.carpentier[@]vub.be

Postdoc fellow

During his Ph.D. in Belgium, jointly at the Universities of Brussels and Namur, Antoine focused on the dynamics of genome evolution in asexual species of bdelloid rotifers using the lab model Adineta vaga. His research explored both the genomics of asexuality and the remarkable DNA repair mechanisms that allow bdelloid rotifers to tolerate extreme genome damage. During his postdoctoral work at NC State University in Raleigh (NC, USA), he worked on hybrid yeasts, examining how introgression and hybridisation influence fitness in brewing environments. Currently, Antoine studies the unconventional evolution of sex chromosomes in robber frogs, aiming to understand how recombination suppression is initiated and maintained, how heteromorphic sex chromosomes arise, and dosage compensation mechanisms in these systems. When away from the computer, Antoine can usually be found on a badminton court or running outdoors, if possible with other people.

Email: antoine.houtain[@]gmail.com, antoine.houtain[@]vub.be
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Postdoc fellow

During his PhD, Antoine investigated the population structure and adaptive potential of the black-lipped pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera). His current research focuses on understanding population structure and dynamics in true frogs (Ranidae), exploring their phylogeography, and examining how these processes influence the evolution of sex chromosomes. He is also studying structural genomic variation and the functional roles of genes involved in sex determination and adaptation. Outside the lab, Antoine is most at home underwater—whether scuba diving or engaging in other aquatic activities.

Email: Antoine.Gradel[@]vub.be

PhD student

Ezgi has passion for evolutionary studies and molecular biology research. Her PhD research is investigating the mechanisms of extreme heterochiasmy, the exaggerated sexual dimorphism in the recombination landscape in frogs. During her master studies at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, she developed a heavy metal detecting E.coli whole-cell biosensor in collaboration with several research institutions. She is particularly enthusiastic about interdisciplinary approaches and collaborations.

Email: hatice.ezgi.unal[@]vub.be

PhD student

Ricard is overall very interested in the origin and evolution of sex chromosomes, eco-evolutionary dynamics and phenotypic plasticity. His PhD is investigating the evolutionary and genetic drivers of sex chromosome turnover in various frog lineages. During his free time he is an avid chess player.

Email: Ricard.Fontsere.Alemany[@]vub.be

Email: Ninon.Lecoquierre[@]ulb.be, Ninon.Lecoquierre[@]vub.be

Email: Jelter.Filip.Bekaert[@]vub.be

Visiting PhD student

Jie is a visiting scholar. He is pursuing a PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research. He is interested in how polyploids adapt and survive. Currently, he is using the diploid-tetraploid genus Neobatrachus frog lineage and tetraploid and hexaploid strawberries (F. orientalis, F. moschata) to study WGD-mediated introgression and the interplay between WGD and sex chromosome evolution.

Email: jie.wang[@]vub.be; jiewang[@]mpipz.mpg.de

Master student

Tristan's scientific interests are evolution, genetics and molecular biology. In his free time he also loves making and listening to music, playing video games and he runs quite a lot. For master thesis project, he is investigating the intra-specific sex chromosome polymorphism, sex chromosome differentiation and sex determination in the Japanese brown frog.

Email: tristan.cornelis[@]vub.be

Master student

Deepthi is currently working on a summer internship project regarding the master sex-determining gene DMRT1, trying to understand its molecular sex-determining mechanism. In general, she is interested in understanding the complexity of life and its origin. She is particularly fascinated by the mechanisms of convergent evolution, the evolutionary arms race, predation, defence and sexual selection. Furthermore, she is also interested in Molecular biology and Immunology. She is curious and remain open-minded in exploring these interconnected fields.

Email: deepthi.deepthi[@]vub.be

Bachelor thesis student

Rafaël is a third-year Bachelor student in Biology with a strong passion for life sciences. He is deeply interested in understanding the intricate processes within organisms and how these insights can be applied to address societal challenges. His academic interests lie primarily in genetics and epigenetics. Beyond academics, Rafaël enjoys staying active through sports and values connecting with people to learn about their perspectives and interests. For his Bachelor thesis, he is investigating differential gene expression during meiosis in the brown frogs Rana temporaria. His research aims to shed light on the mechanisms underlying the extreme sexual dimorphism in the recombination landscape.

Email: rafael.kana[@]vub.be