Neuroscience

The mission of neuroscience research at VIB is to advance the understanding of the brain and enhance the ability to effectively treat complex neurodegenerative diseases affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. VIB scientists tackle biological questions related to synapses, neuronal networks, and connectivity, with a primary focus on the disruption of these functions in disease-related processes. Our research encompasses the neurobiology and neurogenetics of major neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's disease, and ALS, as well as various neuronal disorders, including epilepsy, dystonia, ataxia, intellectual disabilities, peripheral neuropathy, and spastic paraplegia. To accomplish this mission, VIB researchers use cutting-edge technologies that bridge circuit activity and brain function, harness modern human molecular genetics and genomic approaches, and explore cellular, developmental, and systems biology.

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Center for Molecular Neurology

VIB-KU Leuven Center for Neuroscience

Center for Molecular Neurology

The overall objective of the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology is to advance our knowledge of the intricacies of the nervous system's biology throughout the process of aging, both in healthy individuals and those affected by age-related diseases. They strive to unravel new insights that will not only benefit clinical practice but also fuel experimental investigations, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of the disease progression. Ultimately, they aim to foster the development of impactful preventive interventions and etiological treatments.

VIB-KU Leuven Center for Neuroscience

The research conducted at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Neuroscience is dedicated to unraveling the fundamental biological mechanisms underlying neurobiology and brain diseases, with the ultimate goal of addressing major medical challenges. Their endeavors are characterized by five cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research lines, fostering collaboration and interaction among their different labs.

Start ups

Impact on society

Targeting drugs to the brain

Blood Brain Barrier Project

Developing a platform to find nanobody constructs that can cross the blood-brain barrier, as a way of treating brain diseases in the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) project.
Understanding primary immune deficiencies

PID

Improving our understanding and diagnosis of life-threatening genetic disorders of the innate and adaptive immune system in the primary immune deficiency (PID) project.
PID result

BE.Amycon (Ongoing)

The BE.Amycon aims to establish a Belgian center of expertise for people with peripheral amyloidosis by joining forces of VIB researchers, a state-of-the-art diagnostic platform, and clinicians from various disciplines and different institutes.