Communication is key to coordinating processes which make up any system, albeit made by man or mother nature. While the transmission of human language is governed by the physical properties of sound and sight, chemistry plays a very central role in the language of biology. Chemical messages are carried and delivered by the presence of functional molecules which, throughout biology, are often in a peptide format. These small proteinaceous molecules are inherently specific, selective, potent and well tolerated by humans which makes them enticing therapeutic candidates.
With the development of next generation sequencing we have unprecedented access to novel peptide sequences; however, we cannot yet predict their function or usefulness in silico. I am therefore developing heterologous expression systems for the production of uncharacterised peptides, identified in the Thalassomonas genomes. Reliable production will grant us access to these peptides for characterization of their bioactivates, therapeutic values and of course native role. After all, why wouldn’t we want to know what these microbes are saying?
I have completed my undergraduate degree at Stellenbosch university in Molecular biology and biotechnology, majoring in biochemistry and microbiology. I completed my Honour’s and Master’s degrees cum laude at the department of Microbiology in Stellenbosch where I focused on developing my skills as a molecular biologist. I specialize in the construction and deployment of plasmid-based reporter and expression systems, and the interpretation of data generated from these systems in the context of the native environment. For a list of my publications please visit: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ross_Vermeulen
My fascination for the biological world does not only motivate my research. I am an avid cyclist, taking part in various cross-country and trail riding events around South Africa. I also enjoy shore angling and from this perspective, I hope to become recreationally involved in research and conservation efforts for our marine environments.