prof. Sven Eyckerman (PhD)
expert scientist - VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology
associate professor (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UGent)
Research focus
We develop next-generation technologies to study how proteins interact inside cells. Using innovative platforms such as Virotrap and CRISPR-based genome engineering, we capture and map protein complexes in their native cellular environment. Our work provides detailed insights into cellular pathways and disease mechanisms, helping to identify new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Beyond discovery, we focus on translating large protein interaction datasets into meaningful biological insights. To support this, we have developed an extensive molecular toolkit that enables efficient assembly of expression vectors and scalable validation studies. These technologies also power advanced barcoded screening platforms in human cell lines, supporting applications such as antibody specificity profiling and Deep Mutational Scanning (DMS). Through DMS, we systematically assess the functional impact of genetic variants associated with cancer predisposition, rare immune disorders, and drug response. Our technology platforms form the foundation of numerous collaborative projects, both within the CRIG network and with external academic and industry partners.
Biography
- PhD: Ghent Univ., Ghent, Belgium, 2002
- Postdoc: Swiss Inst. for Experimental Cancer Res. (ISREC), Lausanne, Switzerland, 2004-06
- Sr Scientist: Pronota NV, Ghent, Belgium, 2006-09
- Postdoc: VIB, Jan Tavernier and Kris Gevaert Lab, Ghent, 2008-14
- VIB Expert Technologist since January 2015
- Assistant/Associate Professor since 2011
Research team
- dr. Stefanie Maes (PhD) - postdoctoral fellow
- Carolien Van Damme - doctoral fellow
- Emma Claeys - doctoral fellow
- dr. Pieterjan Van Maele (PhD) - postdoctoral fellow
- Hanna Grzesik - doctoral fellow
- Tessa Van de Steene - technician
- Delphine De Sutter - technician
- Annick Verhee - technician
Key publications
- Leveraging a self-cleaving peptide for tailored control in proximity labeling proteomics. Cell Rep Methods, 2024. (PMID: 38986614)
- Deep mutational scanning of proteins in mammalian cells. Cell Rep Methods, 2023. (PMID: 37963462)
- Orthogonal proteomics methods to unravel the HOTAIR interactome. Sci Rep, 2022. (PMID: 35087108)
- Vandemoortele et al. J Proteome Res. 2019 Jan 4;18(1):95-106.
- Steklov et al. Science. 2018 Dec 7;362(6419):1177-1182.
- Melanoma addiction to the long non-coding RNA SAMMSON. Nature, 2016, PMID:27008969
- Bcl9/Bcl9l are critical for Wnt-mediated regulation of stem cell traits in colon epithelium and adenocarcinomas. Cancer Research, 2010, PMID:20682801
Contact & links
- address: VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Technologiepark 75, B-9052 Zwijnaarde
- Eyckerman lab
- Center of Medical Biotechnology
- prof. Eyckerman is interested to receive invitations for talks or presentations