Hanneke Vlaming

Dr. Hanneke Vlaming is an Assistant Professor in the Genome Biology and Epigenetics division within the Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity at Utrecht University, where she leads an independent research group since February 2023. Her laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms that determine the fate of early elongating RNA Polymerase II, focusing on how the balance between early termination and productive elongation is achieved at both protein-coding genes and non-coding loci.

Dr. Vlaming earned her BSc and MSc degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences (cum laude) at VU University Amsterdam, followed by a PhD at the Netherlands Cancer Institute under the supervision of Dr. Fred van Leeuwen. She then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School in the Adelman laboratory, where she developed the innovative INSERT-seq methodology to study sequence determinants of RNA Polymerase II elongation potential.

• BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences (cum laude), VU University Amsterdam (2014)
• MSc in Drug Discovery & Safety (cum laude), VU University Amsterdam (2016)
• PhD in Molecular Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute/University of Amsterdam (2017)

Her research focuses on understanding how productive transcription over long distances is achieved at protein-coding genes, and conversely, what drives early termination of RNA Polymerase II transcription at non-coding loci. The Vlaming group employs advanced high-throughput screening, precise genome editing approaches, and cutting-edge nascent-RNA sequencing techniques to decipher these molecular mechanisms. Their work has revealed that GC content of transcribed sequences and the presence of splice elements are critical determinants of transcription elongation potential.

Analysis of Dr. Vlaming's publication record shows a consistent focus on transcription regulation, chromatin biology, and epigenetic mechanisms. Her work spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms of histone modifications during her PhD to more recent work on RNA Polymerase II regulation. The publications demonstrate expertise in both experimental approaches (INSERT-seq, CRISPR screening, nascent RNA sequencing) and computational analysis of complex genomic datasets.

• Three prestigious postdoctoral fellowships awarded during her time at Harvard Medical School

Dr. Vlaming is actively mentoring the next generation of scientists. Her lab currently includes PhD candidate Ilse Lagerwaard and researcher/teacher Nathalie Vroegindeweij-de Wagenaar. She has previously mentored several MSc students including Eline van Hardeveld, Anatoli Todorov, Irene Zanovello, and Laura Torroba Vicario. She emphasizes creating an environment where lab members are happy, inspired, and in charge of their own professional development. The lab is currently recruiting for a PhD position and welcomes MSc students for longer internships (minimum 6 months).

The Vlaming lab employs innovative approaches including INSERT-seq (which she developed during her postdoc), CRISPR screening, and cutting-edge nascent RNA sequencing techniques (PRO-seq, TT-seq) to map the exact locations of transcriptionally engaged RNA Polymerase II and measure recently produced RNA. The lab is part of the Division of Genome Biology & Epigenetics within Utrecht University's Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity.