Following his appointment as Professor of Oral Microbiology on December 1, 2023, the leader of work package 4, Prof. dr. Bastiaan Krom delivered his inaugural lecture on September 6, 2024. In this lecture, entitled ‘Fungi: Master of Puppets’ he reflected on the oral microbiology field and gave a glimpse into the future.
Fungi: Master of Puppets
Prof. Dr. Bastiaan Krom, Professor of Oral Microbiology.
Fungi play an important role in ecosystems, including the ecosystem of a healthy mouth, as outlined by Krom. Although fungi are not present in large numbers, their relative large size gives them considerable influence over bacteria in the ecosystem. Fungi affect the immediate environment where these bacteria live, primarily in dental plaque and on the tongue. For example, fungi can quickly alter acidity (pH) and oxygen levels. These factors influence bacterial growth and behavior, thereby affecting oral health and overall human health. In fact, fungi are the puppeteers of the oral ecosystem, Krom said. Therefore, in maintaining a healthy mouth, which is crucial for overall health, fungi should not be forgotten!
The lecture can be seen here.
Bastiaan in his lab
Fungi (C. albicans)
