Our laboratory is committed to gaining insight in the underlying pathology of Parkinson's Disease (PD) on both the molecular and cellular level. We are specifically focussing on the proteins α-synuclein and LRRK2, two key players in sporadic and familial PD.

PD is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder and affects over 5 million people worldwide. The protein α-synuclein plays a central role in the disease. Recent ground breaking research from our group and others has demonstrated a prion like behaviour of α-synuclein. One of our research lines focuses on the deeper understanding of this protein and its prion like spreading properties. Since a similar phenomenon of α-synuclein aggregation and spreading is also observed in Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), we have recently started a novel research line on MSA in the lab. This rare disease is a rapidly progressing, fatal neurodegenerative disorder affecting approximately 4 in 100,000 people.

In 2004, LRRK2 was identified as the most important determinant of familial PD. Moreover, variations in the LRRK2 locus can increase the risk of developing PD. These observations fuel our commitment to understanding the role of LRRK2 in PD.

To support our research and to develop and characterize new cellular and rodent disease models, we are using viral vector technology and molecular imaging. Finally, we are also investing in pre-clinical drug discovery through our neuro drug discovery platform.