
VIB
VIB is a leading Belgian life sciences research institute that combines cutting-edge research with the development of innovative technologies. As an iGEM team, we strategically selected the OPENPichia pep4 yps1 strain for our project due to its superior characteristics for recombinant protein expression, including significantly reduced protease activity and enhanced protein stability. Through our collaboration with VIB, we were fortunate to receive exceptional support from Dr. Katrien Claes, who served as primary contact for this partnership. Dr. Claes, being one of the key researchers behind the development of the OPENPichia platform, provided invaluable guidance and facilitated access to the pep4 yps1 strain as part of VIB's sponsorship of our iGEM project, enabling recombinant protein expression in Pichia pastoris.