Molecular entomology

Prof. dr. ir. Kristof De Schutter

The Molecular Entomology lab focuses on the fundamental and applied aspects of RNA interference (RNAi) in insects. While RNAi offers a novel, specific, environmental friendly and sustainable strategy for pest control, there are several barriers - in the environment and in the insect - that limit its efficacy. In the Molecular Entomology lab, we have a major interest in understanding and overcoming these barriers of RNAi in insects. Simultaneously, the research team focusses on the biosafety aspect of environmentally applied RNAi-based products. In addition, the research group is active in elucidating the role of glycosylation, one of the most common and important post-translational modifications, in the embryonal and post-embryonal development of insects.

 Publications