Functional plant informatics using PLAZA
Functional plant informatics using PLAZA
15 September 2026, 09h00-17h00
General context
Understanding plant genome organization and gene function is essential for modern plant biology research. During this one-day workshop, we will introduce the basic concepts of comparative and functional-omics data analysis in plants through short kick-start lectures and practical hands-on sessions.
Plant biologists and geneticists interested in bioinformatics and data analysis are encouraged to attend this training. After this workshop, you will have a good understanding of the organization of plant genomes, the evolution of plant gene families, orthologs and (in)paralogs, and the different systems used to describe gene functions. In addition, you will know how to extract relevant biological information from -omics gene sets using the PLAZA Workbench.
- Identify gene families, orthologs, and paralogs in the context of your plant of interest
- Infer gene collinearity and synteny relationships to study genome evolution
- Perform functional annotation using GO, InterPro, and MapMan using PLAZA tools
- Execute functional and comparative analysis for different plant -omics gene sets.
The training starts with an overview of the PLAZA platform and intercalates short theoretical sessions with hands-on exercises in plant genomics datasets. Active participation is expected during the practical sessions, where attendees explore the tools, perform analyses, and interpret results.
To ensure smooth participation, you need to bring your own laptop with a recent web browser (e.g., Chrome) installed.
Please note that registration and ticket purchase for this training are available through the conference website, "At the forefront of plant research (4th edition)".
- Basic knowledge of genes, genomes, transcript profiling, BLAST, and homology.
- No programming skills are required
This course is part of multiple learning paths.
Trainers
Klaas Vandepoele
Klaas Vandepoele is Full Professor at Ghent University and group leader in the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology. His aim is to extract biological knowledge from large-scale experimental data sets using data integration, comparative sequence/expression/chromatin analysis, network biology and machine learning. Through the development and application of novel bioinformatics methods, new aspects of genome biology, especially in the area of gene function prediction and gene regulation, are identified. He published >160 papers in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and is a Highly Cited researcher (H-index 59).
Michiel Van Bel
Michiel Van Bel is a postdoctoral researcher within the group of Klaas Vandepoele. He is the main developer of the PLAZA platform since its inauguration in 2009. Computer scientist by training, he aims to support other researchers by developing data integration platforms.
Sander Thierens
Sander Thierens joined the PLAZA team in 2022, and is the lead developer for the PLAZA-cloud extension suite.
Program
Introduction PLAZA platform + first exploration (Instances, Data overview, Species page)
Genes, gene families and phylogenetics
Coffee break (provided)
Colinearity/Synteny and polyploidy
Orthologs, paralogs & integrative orthology viewer
Lunch (provided)
Gene function annotations (GO, InterPro, MapMan)
Introduction Workbench
Coffee break (provided)
Workbench (RNA-Seq DEG analysis scRNA-Seq Zma)
Workbench (Cross-species analysis root marker genes)
Concluding remarks
Practical info
15 September 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
15 September 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
15 September 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
15 September 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.