E-mail : denis(dot)lafontaine(at)ulb(dot)be
A Passion for Ribosomes & the Nucleolus
As an RNA biologist, I feel privileged to live out my passion for science and to have witnessed two decades of exciting developments in the field of ribosome biogenesis. When I started on this path, only a couple ill-defined assembly factors were known in budding yeasts. Now we know hundreds in human cells, we can look at them “in action” on precursor ribosomes, and we can start to address their role in disease. Our vision of the nucleolus has also been utterly challenged, with initial bottom-up in vitro reconstitutions and the concept of biomolecular condensates.
When I am not doing ribosome work, I like discovering new places around the world or visiting a museum of modern art, especially if there is a surrealist section (my Belgian fiber), and walking in nature to discover its beauty.
E-mail: ludivine(dot)wacheul(at)ulb(dot)be
Hello, my name is Ludivine and I'm the lab manager.
I love learning about RNA and how it works in our cells. It's amazing to discover its secrets and to understand how it affects our bodies. I love doing experiments and discovering new things. Working in the laboratory allows me to give my curiosity free rein, to contribute to scientific knowledge. I think I know almost all laboratory procedures. I'm resourceful and persistent. When something goes wrong in the lab, guess who they call?
When I'm not in the lab, I devote time to my large family (husband, 2 children, 3 dogs, 2 cats, and 2 water turtles) and enjoy diverse activities with them. I like to cook. I love the outdoors, particularly hiking with my husband and our dogs. To relax and take my mind off things, I also like the cinema and watching TV series.
E-mail: nathalie(dot)dumont(at)ulb(dot)be
I am Denis’s secretary. Among other things, I handle HR (staff contracts, vacations etc.).
E-mail: jing(dot)chen(at)ulb(dot)be
Jing received her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Tsinghua University (Beijing, China). During her PhD, she conducted research on ribosome biogenesis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Her work focused on analyzing the effects of pre-rRNA mutations on ribosome biogenesis and pre-ribosome structures. Jing has undertaken postdoctoral training under the supervision of Professor Denis Lafontaine because she is interested in ribosome biogenesis in human cells, especially as it relates to ribosomopathies. To make a contribution to disease research from the perspective of ribosome biogenesis is one of her dreams.
Jing’s little cat-friends inspire her at her work and always comfort and encourage her when she encounters difficulties. In addition, Jing is crazy about cooking, traveling, and sports! Life is beautiful and science makes it amazing!
E-mail: eliza(dot)sack(at)ulb(dot)be
Just as people look at ornaments on Christmas trees, thus does Eliza look at modifications on the ribosomal RNA. After a master’s thesis (in the Lafontaine lab) devoted to Diamond-Blackfan anemia syndrome (DBS), Eliza has undertaken a PhD that further explores the mechanisms underlying this disease, with a special focus on the impact of ribosomal RNA modifications. As a bonus, this has made her proficient in RiboMethSeq analysis. On the side, Eliza is the lab’s official cookie dealer.
E-mail: lea.pautet(at)uliege(dot)be
As a PhD student in molecular biology, I like conducting wet lab experiments. These enable me to explore the intricate world of molecular biology, in particular RNAs. I’m also very interested in bioinformatic analysis: I find joy in deciphering complex datasets and extracting meaningful insights from the vast genomic landscape. The intersection between wet lab and bioinformatics makes it possible to bridge the gap between experimental design and data interpretation. Outside the lab, I spend quality time practicing Yoga as a source of mental clarity and physical wellness. I also enjoy cooking, which is quite like doing experiments with flavors and textures, and share moments with my friends and family.
Co-supervision with Denis Mottet (ULg)
E-mail: ornella(dot)casalanguida(at)ulb(dot)be
Ornella is in the final year of her master’s degree and is carrying out her thesis in the Lafontaine Lab. Naturally curious, she enjoys learning new things and exploring the world around her. She has always been fascinated by the living world and the mechanisms that make it work. Outside the lab, she enjoys reading, listening to music, painting, and cooking.E-mail: sana.pourtabatabaei@bric.ku.dk
I’m a PhD student at the Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, investigating how snoRNA-guided rRNA modifications shape translational programs in pancreatic cancer. My goal is to identify novel therapeutic targets arising from altered ribosome function and stress adaptation in cancer cells. During my stay in the Lafontaine Lab, I am focusing on imaging-based analyses of nucleolar changes following snoRNA depletion.
E-mail: Federica(dot)marchesini9(at)unibo(dot)it
I am a visiting PhD student from the University of Bologna, and my research focuses on Diamond–Blackfan anemia (DBA). I am particularly interested in understanding how patient-derived mutations affect the intrinsic activities of the ribosome.
During my stay, I am developing a Xenopus laevis model to investigate the impact of DBA-associated mutations on developmental markers and erythropoiesis. Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling, discovering new cultures, and photography. And, as a true Italian, I take cooking very seriously—especially when there are people around to share the food with.
E-mail: luciamartos7890(at)gmail(dot)com
Lucía is a Spanish Biomedical Sciences student in her final year, currently completing her practicum in the Lafontaine Lab. This experience allows her to apply her academic training while gaining hands-on experience in a real research environment.
Passionate about science since childhood, she is eager to continue learning and to further develop both her academic and professional skills. Outside the lab, Lucía enjoys reading, cooking, creative activities, and traveling.