Research group Translational research neurodegenerative disorders

Aims

1. We want to identify novel biomarkers of disease for diagnostic and monitoring purposes.
2. We aim to continue fundamental research in mechanisms of neurodegeneration in order to translate these findings to define novel biomarkers of disease.
3. We aim to broaden our research to biomarkers of extracerebral processes relevant for neurodegenerative disorders.

We aim to perform three types of studies to reach this ambition.

• 1. Identify novel biomarkers

  We want to identify novel biomarkers of disease for diagnostic and monitoring purposes.

  Whereas protein aggregation biomarkers are already available for clinical applications, we aim to extend this panel to biomarkers of cerebral vascular function and neuroinflammation. Together with genetic susceptibility and neuroimaging biomarkers, these will allow advanced phenotyping and will form the basis for personalized therapy. For this, we will continue our efforts to create unique patient cohorts and biobanks that are crucial to laboratory-supported phenotyping. Moreover, we will continue to embrace novel technologies (such as metabolomics, glycomics, big data analyses).

• 2. Continue fundamental research

  We aim to continue fundamental research in mechanisms of neurodegeneration in order to translate these findings to define novel biomarkers of disease.

• 3. Broaden our research

  We will broaden our research to biomarkers of extracerebral processes. In Parkinson's disease, systemic inflammation, systemic drug-metabolizing enzymes and the gut microbiome are important modifiers of both disease development, progression and the effectiveness of levodopa treatment. These systemic biomarkers will aid clinical decisions on personalized drug use, enhancing quality of life of patients.