Projects
SoundsGood! – An integrated platform for studying ultrasonic vocalizations in rodent models for brain disorders. KU Leuven
Modeling human mental disorders in rodents is an extremely daunting challenge, given the subjective nature of many symptoms, the lack of relevant biomarkers and objective diagnostic tools, together with the early state of the pertinent neurobiology and genetics. The identification of new therapeutic targets is at a near standstill. We are convinced that a deeper understanding of the natural rodent behavior repertoire and its relevance for ...
The role/s of CYFIP1 in brain development and wiring: insights into Autism Spectrum Disorders KU Leuven
Deletions and duplications of the 15q11.2 chromosomal region have been recently associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), schizophrenia (SCZ) and other intellectual disabilities (ID). These pathologies, due to altered synaptic connectivity and plasticity, are called synaptopathies and are often associated with a disturbed early neurodevelopment. Among the genes located in the 15q11.2 chromosomal region, the Cytoplasmic FMRP-Interacting ...
Integrative molecular approach to unravel the etiology of Lewy body brain disorders. University of Antwerp
Role/s of CYFIP1 in brain development and implications in neurodevelopmental disorders. KU Leuven
During normal brain development, neurons are generated from precursors located in deeper brain areas. These precursors migrate to their final position in the cerebral cortex where they terminally differentiate into neurons. Neurodevelopmental defects influence normal brain and cause pathologies such as intellectual disabilities (ID), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), epilepsy (EPY) and schizophrenia (SCZD). CYFIP1, a key cytoplasmic interactor ...
In vivo study of the functional role of brain adenosine 2A and glutamate mGLuR5 receptors in movement disorders KU Leuven
Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Huntington’s disease (HD) are movement disorders, without effective therapy. Dopamine deficiencies play a major role in these disorders, but also the brain adenosine and glutamate systems are dysregulated. Ex vivo studies point towards a role of the adenosine 2A receptor (A2A-R) in the pathogenesis of PD and HD, especially on the motor and cognitive domains. The metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 (mGLuR5) ...
The role of TAO2 in brain connectivity and Autism Spectrum Disorders. KU Leuven
Research in the context of an ERA-Net Neuron project investigating the role of TAO2 in brain conjunctivitis and autism spectrum disorders.