E-mail : denis.lafontaine@ulb.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.wacheul@ulb.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.dumont@ulb.be
I am Denis’s secretary. Among other things, I handle HR (staff contracts, vacations etc.).
E-mail: jing.chen@ulb.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: kira.plachetta@ulb.be
I recently joined the Lafontaine Lab to pursue my PhD after completing my studies in Germany, where I am from. I am interested in RNA biology and, more broadly, in understanding how the molecular mechanisms involved in ribosome formation contribute to cellular function and human disease. During my PhD, I hope to combine different molecular and cellular approaches to explore these questions.
Outside the lab, I like to stay active and enjoy all kinds of sports, especially handball. In my downtime, I enjoy going for walks with family and friends, spending time with my favourite people, getting lost in a good book, and drawing nature.
E-mail: andre.miguel.ramos.marques@ulb.be
I wasn’t initially an RNA person, but I became one experiment after experiment. I never had a carefully calculated master plan and instead mainly followed whatever caught my attention. This curiosity-driven journey led me to a Master’s degree exploring the links between RNA biology and cellular senescence, and eventually to the Lafontaine Lab. Here, I am continuing to explore RNA and ribosome biology and the mechanisms that cells use to maintain their proper function.
Outside the lab, I enjoy discovering new music, trying new foods, and travelling to places I have never been.
E-mail: lea.pautet@uliege.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: blanche.francis@ulb.be
Hi, I’m Blanche! I am currently completing my Master’s thesis in the Lafontaine Lab. I fell in love with biology when I was around 14 and have always been fascinated by the complexity of what happens inside cells, particularly the mechanisms underlying gene expression and RNA biology. Joining the lab gives me the opportunity to explore these questions experimentally and discover more about the fascinating world of RNA and ribosomes.
Outside the lab, I play classical guitar, love reading, and have been passionate about climbing since I was a child.
E-mail: hafsa.hammoudan@ulb.be
I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at ULB. This year, I have the opportunity to carry out my Master’s thesis in the Lafontaine Lab, where I hope to further develop both my scientific knowledge and my practical research skills. I am particularly interested in RNA biology and gene regulation, and fascinated by the molecular mechanisms that govern cellular processes and their connections to human health and disease.
E-mail: lola.bourgey@ulb.be
I am currently a Master’s student in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology at the Université libre de Bruxelles. I joined the Lafontaine Lab for my Master’s thesis, where I am developing my interest in RNA and ribosome biology and exploring how alterations in fundamental cellular processes can contribute to human disease.
Outside the lab, I particularly enjoy drawing and painting, both for myself and for friends and family. I also enjoy reading, learning new languages, and discovering different cultures.
E-mail: romain.sansonetti@ulb.be
I am a Master’s student in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, with a particular interest in pharmacology and the molecular mechanisms underlying human diseases. Joining the Lafontaine Lab gives me the opportunity to explore these questions from the perspective of RNA and ribosome biology and to develop my experimental research skills.
Outside the lab, I enjoy running, both on my own and in races. I am also a fan of techno music and travelling.
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.marchesini9@unibo.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: aikaterini.tsompanidou@ulb.be
I am a Biomedical Sciences student from Greece currently undertaking a traineeship in the Lafontaine Lab. My work in the lab gives me the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained during my studies at International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, through firsthand experience in a real research environment. I am fascinated by the many ways the human body functions, and I aspire to become a researcher in autoimmune diseases and genetic disorders in the future. Outside the lab, I enjoy journaling, reading, listening to music, and travelling.