Christian Burvenich

Biography

Originally established after WWII by prof. Georges Peeters (1919-2014), our laboratory continues a tradition of cutting edge research on lactation physiology and biochemistry. In 1977 Christian Burvenich was invited by prof Peeters to establish an inflammation group (Dhondt et al. 1977 J Dairy Res. 44 : 433-440). In 1985 prof. Peeters retired and since then we keep Georges Peeters' tradition of hypothesis driven experimental research. We also continu broadening the scope of investigation of mammary physiology and disease e.g. the study of epigenetic regulation mechanisms in bone marrow (Van Merris et al. 2001 Vet Q. 23:170-175) and mammary stem cells (Spaas et al., 2012 Stem Cells Dev. 21(16) : 3055-3067) and its possible role during resolution of experimentally induced mammary disease towards normal function. In 2015 we celebrate 70 yrs of the Georges Peeters Laboratory.   

Research Interest

Since our publication in 2003 "Severity of E. coli mastitis is mainly determined by cow factors." Burvenich et al., Vet Res. vol. 34(5):521-564, it was obvious that the severity of this disease not simply depends on gene DNA sequence. The change in gene expression during lactation under influence of epigenetic factors and its variable influence on mammary epithelium and trans epithelial migration of neutrophils (innate defence) demanded more attention. This was the start of our interest in the effect of epigenetic changes on mammary gland health.