LIND Brochure 14102011

Transcription

Leuven research
Institute for
Neurodegenerative
Disorders
LEUVEN RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction............................................................................................................................................. 3
Structure of LIND ................................................................................................................................. 4
Mode of operation of LIND ................................................................................................................. 6
Executive Board ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Bart De Strooper, M.D., Ph.D. ............................................................................................................. 7
Wim Robberecht, M.D., Ph.D. ........................................................................................................... 10
Steering Committee members .............................................................................................................. 13
Lutgarde Arckens, PhD ...................................................................................................................... 13
Veerle Baekelandt, Ph.D. ................................................................................................................... 16
Peter Carmeliet, M.D., Ph.D. ............................................................................................................. 19
Rudi D’Hooge, Ph.D. .......................................................................................................................... 21
Peter Janssen, M.D., Ph.D. ................................................................................................................ 24
Stefan Sunaert, M.D., Ph.D. ............................................................................................................... 26
Koen Van Laere, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc. ................................................................................................... 29
Rik Vandenberghe, M.D., Ph.D. ......................................................................................................... 31
Patrik Verstreken, Ph.D. .................................................................................................................... 34
Members ............................................................................................................................................... 37
Wim Annaert, Ph.D. ........................................................................................................................... 37
Steven Boonen, M.D., Ph.D. .............................................................................................................. 40
Jan De Lepeleire, M.D., Ph.D. ............................................................................................................ 42
Bert De Smedt, Ph.D. ......................................................................................................................... 45
Anja Declercq, Ph.D. .......................................................................................................................... 47
Carlos Dotti, M.D., Ph.D..................................................................................................................... 50
Bénédicte Dubois, M.D., Ph.D. .......................................................................................................... 53
Wolfgang Eberle, Ph.D....................................................................................................................... 55
Yves Engelborghs, Ph.D. .................................................................................................................... 57
An Goris, Ph.D.................................................................................................................................... 59
Ann Heylighen, Ph.D. ......................................................................................................................... 61
Bea Maes, Ph.D.................................................................................................................................. 64
Gert Matthijs, Ph.D. ........................................................................................................................... 67
Lieve Moons, Ph.D. ............................................................................................................................ 69
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Alice Nieuwboer, Ph.D. ...................................................................................................................... 72
Ilse Noens, Ph.D. ................................................................................................................................ 74
Herman Nys, Ph.D. ............................................................................................................................ 76
Anton Roebroek, Ph.D. ...................................................................................................................... 78
Birgitte Schoenmakers, M.D., Ph.D. .................................................................................................. 80
Raf Sciot M.D., Ph.D........................................................................................................................... 82
Nele Spruytte, Ph.D. .......................................................................................................................... 83
Stephan Swinnen, Ph.D. .................................................................................................................... 85
Johan Thevelein, Ph.D. ...................................................................................................................... 87
Vincent Thijs, M.D., Ph.D. .................................................................................................................. 89
Jos Tournoy, M.D., Ph.D. ................................................................................................................... 91
Thomas Tousseyn, M.D., Ph.D. .......................................................................................................... 93
Chantal Van Audenhove, Ph.D. ......................................................................................................... 96
Philip Van Damme, M.D., Ph.D. ......................................................................................................... 99
Ludo Van Den Bosch, Ph.D. ............................................................................................................. 102
Pieter Vanden Berghe, Ph.D. ........................................................................................................... 104
Wim Vandenberghe, M.D., Ph.D. .................................................................................................... 107
Joris Winderickx, Ph.D ..................................................................................................................... 109
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INTRODUCTION
The main objective of the Leuven research Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders (LIND) is to
stimulate interactions between the different research groups working on these diseases at the
K.U.Leuven and to promote and accelerate the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies
for these diseases.
Improvements in medical care and hygiene in the
last century have indeed caused a dramatic increase in
average life expectancy throughout the world. Agerelated neurodegenerative disorders represent now
more than ever a major biomedical challenge and an
enormous burden for health care systems.
For instance, different forms of age associated
dementia are estimated to presently affect 35.6 million
people worldwide (Alzheimer’s Disease International)
and 5.3 to 5.8 million people in the European Union (Alzheimer Europe) alone. Due to the increasing
life expectancy, the number of affected people in the European Union is expected to triple to 15.9
million by 2040, when about approximately 24% of the total population in Europe will be older than
65 years (http://www.iiasa.ac.at/Research/ERD/DB/data/hum/dem/dem_2.htm).
The societal costs of dementia in Europe are enormous and greatly affect the health care and
social systems. The total societal costs of dementia in Europe are estimated to 103 billion €, with an
average annual costs per patient of 12000 € (Alzheimer Europe).
Given the expected dramatic increase in the incidence of age-related neurodegenerative
disorders worldwide and the extreme burden put on the health care system, it is clear that finding a
treatment for these disorders, aimed at maintaining quality of life and independence for patients and
their families, is a highly prioritized and major scientific and social task. This aim can only be
accomplished by multidisciplinary translational research. A recent editorial in Nature stressed the
importance of translational research and interactions between clinicians and fundamental
researchers (“Hope in translation” Nature 467, page 499, 2010).
LIND will therefore bundle on a voluntary basis all interested fundamental and clinical
research groups at the K.U.Leuven that perform studies related to neurodegenerative disorders. LIND
will provide a platform for regular discussions between these research groups and the K.U.Leuven,
VIB and UZ Leuven and will stimulate the internal communication, and
encourage novel and otherwise unexplored collaborations. Given the
worldwide tendency to bundle efforts in this research area in dedicated
institutes (e.g. the Deutches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative
Erkrankungen (DZNE) in Germany), such bundling of efforts in Leuven
appears indeed crucial to maintain our international competitive
position. We intend to partner with European networks for research into
aging and neurodegenerative disorders and with companies interested
in our fundamental and clinical work. We hope to identify strengths and
to remedy weaknesses in our research structure and to bring the
different stake holders together to take common initiatives and to
coordinate efforts. We are convinced that the available expertise at the
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K.U.Leuven is broad and excellent and provides the
basis to develop LIND into a European center of
excellence.
In addition, LIND will act as an easy
accessible point of reference and expertise for
academic and governmental authorities interested
in neurodegenerative diseases. The institute will
lobby with the Flemish and the Belgian
governments to promote research into these
devastating disorders and to accelerate the
development of therapeutics.
As a center of excellence, LIND will also offer its expertise and help for the recruitment of
young investigators in this domain of research. Finally, LIND will provide the means to apply in a
coordinated way to major initiatives for funding of research in this domain of investigation (e.g. FETflagships).
STRUCTURE OF LIND
LIND will be directed by a general assembly consisting of all participating senior investigators of the
K.U.Leuven, VIB-Leuven and UZ Leuven. The leadership structure of LIND includes a strategic advisory
board, steering committee and an executive board (Fig. 1).
The following persons will be asked to reside in the strategic advisory board of the institute:
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The rector of the K.U.Leuven, Mark Waer
The vice rector of Biomedical Sciences Group, Minne Casteels
The vice rector of Humanities and Social Sciences Group, Filip Abraham
The vice rector of Science, Engineering and Technology Group, Karen Maex
The vice rector of Research Policy, Peter Marynen
The vice rector International Policy, Bart De Moor
The general director of Technology Transfer, Paul Van Dun
The chairman of the steering committee UZ Leuven, Guy Mannaerts
The chairman of the executive committee UZ Leuven, Johan Kips
The chairman of the medical board UZ Leuven, Dirk Vlasselaers
The directors of the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), Jo Bury and Rudy Dekeyser
The task of the strategic advisory board is to provide positive stimuli to the initiative, to critically
evaluate its work and to follow up on the progress of LIND. The strategic advisory board will receive
yearly a report on the progress of the institute.
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Figure 1: Structure of LIND. (ARCK: Alzheimer Research Center K.U.Leuven, ND: Neurodegenerative
Diseases)
The steering committee will be composed of scientists from various key research areas related to
neurodegenerative diseases. The following members are proposed for the steering committee:
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Prof. Veerle Baekelandt as expert in Parkinson’s disease
Prof. Peter Carmeliet as expert on ALS and director of ‘Vesalius Research Center’ (VRC)
Prof. Rudi D’Hooge as expert in preclinical studies on pathophysiology and treatment of
neurodegeneration and use of rodent models for these diseases
Prof. Peter Janssen as expert in neurophysiology
Prof. Stefan Sunaert as expert in radiology
Prof. Koen Van Laere as expert in nuclear imaging
Prof. Rik Vandenberghe as expert in clinical treatment of patients with cortical
neurodegenerative diseases and director of the ‘Alzheimer’s Research Center K.U.Leuven’
(ARCK)
Prof. Patrik Verstreken as expert in synapse biology and Parkinson Disease
Prof. Bart De Strooper as specialist in Alzheimer’s disease and as contact person with the
brain research center ‘Neuroelectronics Research Flanders’ (NERF)
Prof. Wim Robberecht as head of the neurological clinic and translational research in ALS
Theme leaders, who will be appointed in a later stadium
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The executive board of LIND will be composed of founding director, Prof Bart De Strooper, and
founding co-director, Prof. Wim Robberecht. They will be supported by the coordinator, Dr. Griet
Holsbeek, who will assist them in managing the daily administration of the institute.
MODE OF OPERATION OF LIND
LIND will focus its research on four main themes: cortical neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s
disease and frontotemporal degeneration – ARCK), movement disorders (e.g. Parkinson’s disease),
motor neuron diseases, and secondary neurodegeneration (i.e. induced by secondary causes, such as
epilepsy, inflammation, etc.). One theme to be added in the future is social, economical and ethical
aspects of these diseases. Other themes can be included by the steering committee as appropriate.
The executive board will be responsible to kick off the initiative by calling together all
interested research groups at K.U.Leuven. They will make an inventory of the available expertise and
strengths. The institute will invite all interested scientists belonging to the various research domains,
such as clinical research, basic research, neurogenetics, neuropathology, imaging, social sciences. The
executive board will meet regularly to discuss the operation of the institute and agree upon future
actions to promote the working of the institute. Next to organizing meetings and congresses, an
important task of LIND will be to invite an external scientific advisory committee (SAC) consisting of
international renowned academicians, clinicians and industrial opinion leaders in the field of aging
and neurodegeneration to assist and advise the steering committee with its scientific and managerial
strategies. The contributing groups will assess on a regular basis strengths and weaknesses in the
institute and will cooperate to strengthen the scientific backbone of the institute. The SAC-report will
be a help and a support in this endeavor and its results will be submitted to the strategic advisory
board.
Finally, LIND will be used to increase awareness of this rapidly growing burden for our future
generation and to mobilize the necessary funding to support research in this area of enormous
societal importance.
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EXECUTIVE BOARD
BART DE STROOPER, M.D., PH.D.
Contact address:
Center of Human Genetics
O&N I Herestraat 49 - bus 00602
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 34 62 27
Fax: +32 16 34 71 81
E-mail: Bart.DeStrooper@cme.vib-kuleuven.be
Web: http://med.kuleuven.be/cme-mg/lncb/index_en.html
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
1985
1988
1989
1994-1995
1998-present
2002-present
2005-2010
2007-present
Doctor in Medicine (M.D.), Faculty of Medicine, K.U.Leuven
Master of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, K.U.Leuven
Ph.D., Center for Human Genetics, K.U.Leuven
Visiting Researcher, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
Group leader, VIB
Full Professor in Molecular Medicine (Gewoon Hoogleraar), K.U.Leuven
Chairman of the Department of Human Genetics, K.U.Leuven
Scientific director of the Department of Molecular and Developmental Genetics, VIB
RESEARCH TOPICS
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Neuronal cell biology
Gene transfer
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
Regulated intramembrane proteolysis
APP, presenilin, γ-secretase, PARL, pink-1, LRRK2
RESEARCH AREAS
The work in my laboratory is focused on the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that
underlie neurodegenerative disorders. We work mainly on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease and
we start our functional studies with genes identified by human genetics research. We ask what the
biological role is of the protein under investigation, and to what extent disturbance of the normal
function can explain disease relevant phenotypes.
The work on Alzheimer’s Disease is centered on the Secretases, the proteases which are
involved in the generation of the Aβ-amyloid peptide that precipitates in the amyloid plaques in the
brain of patients. We have been the first group to link presenilins unequivocally with γ-Secretase
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activity (De Strooper et al., Nature, 1998) and have since then worked on intramembrane proteolysis
and the role of the different γ-Secretases. This work has been extremely productive and generated a
series of high impact publications over the years (Thathiah et al., Science, 2009; Serneels et al.,
Science, 2009, and Wakabayashi et al., Nat.Cell biol, 2009).
With regard to Parkinson’s disease we are using Drosophila in collaboration with Prof. P. Verstreken,
next to mammalian cells and mouse models. We follow three research lines:
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The role of PARL and mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson Disease. This work is based on
our Cell paper (Cipolat et al., 2006) demonstrating the essential role of PARL in the control of
cytochrome c release. There are two reports that PARL is involved in the proteolysis of Pink1
which further corroborates the importance of this research line.
The kinome of Pink1. Following up on our paper in EMBO Molecular Med (Vanessa Morais et
al., 2009) we focus on complex I biology to understand how Pink1 affects mitochondrial
function.
The role of LRRK2 in neuronal vesicle transport and release. This work is also done in
collaboration with an industrial partner.
MAJOR SCIENTIFIC AWARDS
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Potamkin Prize for Research in Pick’s, Alzheimer’s and related Diseases (USA), 2002
Pioneer Award from the American Alzheimer Association (USA), 2002
Alois Alzheimer Award (Germany), 2003
Elected EMBO member, 2004
Joseph Maisin Price for fundamental biomedical sciences (Flanders), 2005
Methusalem grant of the Flemisch Government (Flanders), 2007
MetLife Foundation Award for Medical Research (USA), 2008
UCB Award, 2011
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
1. Hébert S.S., Papadopoulou A.S., Smith P., Galas M.C., Planel E., Silahtaroglu A.N., Sergeant N.,
Buée L. and De Strooper B. (2010) Genetic ablation of Dicer in adult forebrain neurons results
in abnormal tau hyperphosphorylation and neurodegeneration. Human Molecular Genetics
19(20): 3959‐69.
2. Kuperstein I., Broersen K., Benilova I., Rozenski J., Jonckheere W., Debulpaep M.,
Vandersteen A., Segers‐Nolten I., Van Der Werf K., Subramaniam V., Braeken D., Callewaert
G., Bartic C., D'Hooge R., Martins I.C., Rousseau F., Schymkowitz J., De Strooper B. (2010)
Neurotoxicity of Alzheimer's disease Abeta peptides is induced by small changes in the Aβ42
to Aβ40 ratio. EMBO Journal 29: 3408-3420.
3. Morais V.A., Verstreken P., Roethig A., Smet J., Snellinx A., Vanbrabant M., Haddad D., Frezza
C., Mandemakers W., Vogt‐Weisenhorn D., Van Coster R., Wurst W., Scorrano L. and De
Strooper B. (2009) Parkinson's disease mutations in PINK1 result in decreased Complex I
activity and deficient synaptic function. EMBO Molecular Medicine 1(2): 99‐111.
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4. Thathiah A., Spittaels K., Hoffmann M., Staes M., Cohen A., Horré K., Vanbrabant M., Coun F.,
Baekelandt V., Delacourte A., Fischer D.F., Pollet D., De Strooper B. and Merchiers P. (2009)
The orphan G protein-coupled receptor 3 modulates amyloid-beta peptide generation in
neurons. Science 323(5916): 946-51.
5. Serneels L., Van Biervliet J., Craessaerts K., Dejaegere T., Horré K., Van Houtvin T., Esselmann
H., Paul S., Schäfer M.K., Berezovska O., Hyman B.T., Sprangers B., Sciot R., Moons L., Jucker
M., Yang Z., May P.C., Karran E., Wiltfang J., D'Hooge R. and De Strooper B. (2009) gammaSecretase heterogeneity in the Aph1 subunit: relevance for Alzheimer's disease. Science
324(5927): 639-42.
6. Wakabayashi T., Craessaerts K., Bammens L., Bentahir M., Borgions F., Herdewijn P., Staes A.,
Timmerman E., Vandekerckhove J., Rubinstein E., Boucheix C., Gevaert K. and De Strooper B.
(2009) Analysis of the γ-Secretase interactome and validation of its association with
tetraspanin-enriched microdomains. Nature Cell Biology 11(11): 1340-6.
7. Martins I., Kuperstein I., Wilkinson H., Vanbrabant M., Jonckheere W., Van Gelder P.,
Kümmerer N., Pastor‐Hernandez T., Serrano L., Hartmann D., De Strooper B., Schymkowitz J.
and Rousseau F. (2008) Lipids induce release of neurotoxic oligomers from inert amyloid
fibrils. EMBO Journal 27(1): 224‐33.
8. Hébert S.S., Horré K., Nicolaï L., Papadopoulou A.S., Mandemakers W., Silahtaroglu A.N.,
Kauppinen S., Delacourte A. and De Strooper B. (2008) Loss of microRNA cluster miR-29a/b-1
in sporadic Alzheimer's disease correlates with increased BACE1/beta-secretase expression.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) USA 105(17): 6415-20.
9. Dejaegere T., Serneels L., Schäfer M.K., Van Biervliet J., Horré K., Depboylu C., Alvarez-Fischer
D., Herreman A., Willem M., Haass C., Höglinger G.U., D'Hooge R. and De Strooper B. (2008)
Deficiency of Aph1B/C-gamma-secretase disturbs Nrg1 cleavage and sensorimotor gating
that can be reversed with antipsychotic treatment. Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences (PNAS) USA 105(28): 9775-80.
10. Cipolat S., Rudka T., Hartmann D., Costa V., Serneels L., Craessaerts K., Metzger K., Frezza C.,
Annaert W., D’Adamio L., Derks C., Dejaegere T., Pellegrini L., D’Hooge R., Scorrano L. and De
Strooper B. (2006) Mitochondrial rhomboid PARL regulates cytochrome c release during
apoptosis via OPA1-dependent cristae remodelling. Cell 126(1): 163-75.
11. Serneels L., Dejaegere T., Craessaerts K., Horré K., Jorissen E., Tousseyn T., Hébert S., Coolen
M., Martens G., Zwijsen A., Annaert W., Hartmann D. and De Strooper B. (2005) Differential
contribution of the three Aph1 genes to γ-secretase activity in vivo. Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) USA 102(5): 1719-24.
12. Herreman A., Serneels L., Annaert W., Collen D., Schoonjans L., and De Strooper B. (2000)
Total inactivation of gamma-secretase activity in presenilin-deficient embryonic stem cells.
Nature Cell Biology 2: 461-462.
13. De Strooper B., Annaert W., Cupers P., Saftig P., Craessaerts K., Mumm J.S., Schroeter E.H.,
Schrijvers V., Wolfe M.S., Ray W.J., Goate A. and Kopan R.A. (1999) Presenilin-1-dependent,
gamma-secretase-like protease mediates release of Notch intracellular domain. Nature
398(6727): 518-22.
14. De Strooper B., Saftig P., Craessaerts K., Vanderstichele H., Guhde G., Annaert W., Von Figura
K. and Van Leuven F. (1998) Deficiency of presenilin 1 inhibits the normal cleavage of
Amyloid Precursor Protein. Nature 391: 387-390.
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WIM ROBBERECHT, M.D., PH.D.
Contact address:
Division Experimental Neurology
UZ Herestraat 49 - bus 07003
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: + 32 16 34 42 80
Fax: + 32 16 34 42 85
E-mail: wim.robberecht@vib-kuleuven.be
1984
1984-1992
1990
1993
1994-2004
1997
1998-present
2001-present
2001-present
2001-2010
2001-present
2005
2007
2008
2008-present
2010-present
Medical Degree (Degree of 'Doctor in de genees-, heel- en verloskunde')
Residency and fellowship Neurology (University Hospital Leuven, Belgium; University
of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, Virginia USA and Massachusetts General
Hospital, Boston, US)
Ph.D. (Degree of 'Geaggregeerde van het Hoger Onderwijs', University of Leuven,
Medical School).
Full Appointment as member of the Senior Staff of Department of Neurology,
University Hospital Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (AdjunctKliniekhoofd)
Clinical Investigator Fund for Scientific Research, Flanders
Professor (Hoogleraar), University of Leuven, Medical School, Leuven
Director of the Neuromuscular Reference Center, University Hospital Leuven
Full Professor (Gewoon Hoogleraar), University of Leuven, Medical School, Leuven
Chairman of the Department of Neurology, University Hospital Leuven, University of
Leuven, Medical School.
Chairman of the Department of Neurosciences, University of Leuven, Medical School,
Leuven
Chairman of the Section Experimental Neurology, University of Leuven, Medical
School, Leuven
Member of the Board of Administration of the University Hospital Leuven, Leuven
Group leader, Vesalius Research Center, Flanders Institute of Biotechnology
Member of the Board of Administration of the National MS Center, Melsbroek.
Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Thierry Latran Foundation for ALS
research
Chairman of the Program Committee of the Motor Neuron Disease Association,
United Kingdom
RESEARCH TOPICS
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Motor neuron degeneration (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
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Neurology/Neuromuscular Diseases
MAJOR SCIENTIFIC AWARDS AND HONORS
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Sheila Essey award for ALS research, American Academy of Neurology, 2008
Pfizer visiting Professor Columbia University, New York (USA) 2009
Chair of the Foundation Franqui, University of Hasselt (Belgium) 2010
Brain visiting lectureship, King’s College, London (UK) 2010
Edwards Distinguished ALS Lecture, Houston, Texas (USA) 2010
1. Shatunov A., Mok K., Newhouse S., Weale M.E., Smith B., Vance C., Johnson L., Veldink J.H.,
van Es M.A., van den Berg L.H., Robberecht W., Van Damme P., Hardiman O., Farmer A.E.,
Lewis C.M., Butler A.W., Abel O., Andersen P.M., Fogh I., Silani V., ChiÒ A., Traynor B.J., Melki
J., Meininger V., Landers J.E., McGuffi n P., Glass J.D., Pall H., Leigh P.N., Hardy J., Brown Jr
R.H., Powell J.F., Orrell R.W., Morrison K.E., Shaw P.J., Shaw C.E. and Al-Chalabi A. (2010)
Chromosome 9p21 in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the UK and seven other
countries: a genome-wide association study. Lancet Neurology 10: 986-94.
2. Blauw H.M., Al-Chalabi A., Andersen P.M., van Vught P.W.J., Diekstra F.P., van Es M.A., Saris
C.G.J., Groen E.J.N., van Rheenen W., Koppers M., van’t Slot R., Strengman E., Estrada K.,
Rivadeneira F., Hofman A., Uitterlinden A.G., Kiemeney L.A., Vermeulen S.H.M., Birve A.,
Waibel S., Meyer T., Cronin S., McLaughlin R.L., Hardiman O., Sapp P.C., Tobin M.D., Wain
L.V., Tomik B., Slowik A., Lemmens R., Rujescu D., Schulte C., Gasser T., Brown Jr R.H.,
Landers J.E., Robberecht W., Ludolph A.C., Ophoff R.A., Veldink J.H. and van den Berg L.H.
(2010) A large genome scan for rare CNVs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Human Molecular
Genetics, doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddq323.
3. Bento-Abreu A., Van Damme P., Van Den Bosch L. and Robberecht W. (2010) The
neurobiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. European Journal of Neuroscience 31: 2247-65.
4. Irobi J., Almeida-Souza L., Asselbergh B., De Winter V., Goethals S., Dierick I., Krishnan J.,
Timmermans J.P., Robberecht W., De Jonghe P., Van Den Bosch L., Janssens S. and
Timmerman V. (2010) Mutant HSPB8 causes motor neuron-specific neurite degeneration.
Human Molecular Genetics 19: 3254-65.
5. Bogaert E., Goris A., Van Damme P., Geelen V., Lemmens R., van Es M.A., van den Berg L.H.,
Kristel Sleegers K., Verpoorten N., Timmerman V., De Jonghe P., Van Broeckhoven C., Traynor
B.J., Landers, J.E., Brown, Jr. R.H., Glass J.D., Al-Chalabi A., Shaw C.E., Birve A., Andersen
P.M., Slowik A., Tomik B., Melki J., Robberecht W. and Van Den Bosch L. (2010)
Polymorphisms in the GluR2 gene are not associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Neurobiology of Aging, doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2010.03.007.
6. Taes I., Goris A., Lemmens R., van Es M.A., van den Berg L.H., Chio A., Traynor B.J., Birve A.,
Andersen P., Slowik A., Tomik B., Brown Jr. R.H., Shaw C.E., Al-Chalabi A., Boonen S., Van Den
Bosch L., Dubois B., Van Damme P. and Robberecht W. (2010) Tau levels do not influence
human ALS or motor neuron degeneration in the SOD1G93A mouse. Neurology 74(21): 168793.
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7. Lemmens R., Moore M.J., Al-Chalabi A., Brown Jr. R.H. and Robberecht W. (2010) RNA
metabolism and the pathogenesis of motor neuron diseases. Trends in Neurosciences 33(5):
249-58.
8. Wang J.,Van Damme P.,Cruchaga C., Gitcho M.A., Manuel Vidal J., Seijo-Martínez M., Wang
L., Wu J.Y., Robberecht W. and Goate A. (2010) Pathogenic cysteine mutations affect
progranulin function and production of mature granulins. Journal of Neurochemistry 112(5):
1305-15.
9. van Es M.A., Veldink J.H., Saris C.G.J., Blauw H.M., van Vught P.W.J., Birve A., Lemmens R.,
Schelhaas H.J., Groen E.J.N., Huisman M.H.B., van der Kooi A.J., de Visser M., Dahlberg C.,
Estrada K., Rivadeneira F., Hofman A., Zwarts M.J., van Doormaal P.T.C., Rujescu D.,
Strengman E., Giegling I., Muglia P., Tomik B., Slowik A., Uitterlinden A.G., Hendrich C.,
Waibel S., Meyer T., Ludolph A.C., Glass J.D., Purcell S., Cichon S., Nöthen M.N., Wichmann
H.E., Schreiber S., Vermeulen S.H.H.M., Kiemeney L.A., Wokke J.H.J., Cronin S., McLaughlin
R.L., Hardiman O., Fumoto K., Pasterkamp R.J., Meininger V., Melki J., Leigh P.N., Shaw C.E.,
Landers J.E., Al-Chalabi A., Brown Jr. R.H., Robberecht W., Andersen P.M., Ophoff R.A. and
van den Berg L.H. (2009) Genome-wide association study identifies 19p13.3 (UNC13A) and
9p21.2 as susceptibility loci for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nature Genetics 41:
1083-1087.
10. Van Damme P. and Robberecht W. (2009) Recent advances in motor neuron disease. Current
Opinion in Neurology 22: 486-492.
11. Gijselinck I., Sleegers K., Engelborghs S., Robberecht W., Martin J.J., Vandenberghe R., Sciot
R., Dermaut B., Goossens D., van der Zee J., De Pooter T., Del-Favero J., Santens P., De Jonghe
P., De Deyn P.P., Van Broeckhoven C. and Cruts M. (2009) Neuronal inclusion protein TDP-43
has no primary genetic role in FTD and ALS. Neurobiology of Aging 30(8): 1329-31.
12. Brugman F., Veldink J.H., Franssen H., de Visser M., de Jong J.M., Faber C.G., Kremer B.H.,
Schelhaas H.J., van Doorn P.A., Verschuuren J.J., Bruyn R.P., Kuks J.B., Robberecht W., Wokke
J.H. and van den Berg L.H. (2009) Differentiation of hereditary spastic paraparesis from
primary lateral sclerosis in sporadic adult-onset upper motor neuron syndromes. Archives of
Neurology 66: 509-14.
13. Bogaert E., Van Damme P., Poesen K., Dhondt J., Hersmus N., Kiraly D., Scheveneels W.,
Robberecht W. and Van Den Bosch L. (2009) VEGF protects motor neurons against
excitotoxicity by upregulation of GluR2. Neurobiology of Aging 31(12): 2185-91.
14. Sleegers K., Brouwers N., Van Damme P., Engelborghs S., Gijselinck I., van der Zee J., Peeters
K., Mattheijssens M., Cruts M., Vandenberghe R., De Deyn P.P., Robberecht W. and Van
Broeckhoven C. (2009) Serum biomarker for progranulin-associated frontotemporal lobar
degeneration. Annals of Neurology 65: 603-609.
15. Simpson C.L., Lemmens R., Miskiewicz K., Broom W.J., Hansen V.K., van Vught P.W., Landers
J.E., Sapp P., Van Den Bosch L., Knight J., Neale B.M., Turner M.R., Veldink J.H., Ophoff R.A.,
Tripathi V.B., Beleza A., Shah M.N., Proitsi P., Van Hoecke A., Carmeliet P., Horvitz H.R., Leigh
P.N., Shaw C.E., van den Berg L.H., Sham P.C., Powell J.F., Verstreken P., Brown Jr. R.H.,
Robberecht W., and Al-Chalabi A. (2009) Variants of the elongator protein 3 (ELP3) gene are
associated with motor neuron degeneration. Human Molecular Genetics 18(3): 472-81.
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STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
LUTGARDE ARCKENS, PHD
Contact address:
Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics
Section of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology
Biology Departement - Faculty of Sciences
Naamsestraat 59, box 2467
B 3000 Leuven
Tel: 016 323951, Fax: 016 324598
E-mail: Lut.arckens@bio.kuleuven.be
Website: http://bio.kuleuven.be/df/la
1989
1995
2003-2006
2006-2009
2009- present
Master in Biology, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
PhD in Sciences – Biology, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Associate Professor in Neurobiology (Hoofddocent), K.U.Leuven
Professor in Neurobiology (Hoogleraar), K.U.Leuven
Full Professor in Neurobiology (Gewoon Hoogleraar), K.U.Leuven
RESEARCH TOPICS
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Lesion-induced adult brain plasticity
Impact of retinal deficits from eye to cortex
Functional proteomics – advancing new technologies
Neuroanatomy
RESEARCH AREAS
The development of the mammalian brain is genetically driven and under the influence of
environmental factors. An essential and unique feature of the sensory systems of mammals is the
capacity to continuously adjust functionally and structurally to changes in sensory inputs throughout
the animal’s life. The precise topographic organization of sensory cortical fields remains amenable to
modifications for example when an animal is trained to perform a certain task or upon central or
peripheral lesions to the nervous system. The main interest of my laboratory is to unravel and
compare the structural, cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie developmental and lesioninduced plasticity of sensory neocortex. An understanding of these mechanisms should boost future
developments of novel pharmaceuticals and therapies to be used for treatment of sensory loss and
brain damage. As experimental model we use the visual system of mouse and cat, with special
emphasis on macular degeneration and glaucoma models. For example, we established a visual
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cortical map using areal markers and activity reporter gene expression to subdivide the visual cortex
and to identify the visual character of each cortical subdivision in the mouse brain (Van der Gucht et
al., 2007; Van Brussel et al., 2009). An electrophysiological approach has been set up to characterize
the functional properties of cortical neurons in the visual system of the mouse. We are currently
implementing optogenetics towards interpreting the functional connectome and its adaptations to
visual deprivation. We continuously introduce new technologies in neuroscience research. We
optimized the use of imaging mass spectrometry (MSI) to visualize specific protein patterns in mouse
tissues, including brain, of normal animals and disease models.
1.
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11.
Hu TT, Van den Bergh G, Thorrez L, Heylen K, Eysel UT, Arckens L. (2011) Recovery from
Retinal Lesions: Molecular Plasticity Mechanisms in Visual Cortex Far beyond the Deprived
Zone. Cerebral Cortex [Epub ahead of print]
Minerva L, Boonen K, Menschaert G, Landuyt B, Baggerman G, Arckens L. (2011) Linking
Mass Spectrometric Imaging and Traditional Peptidomics: A Validation in the Obese Mouse
Model. Analytical Chemistry [Epub ahead of print]
Paulussen M, Jacobs S, Van der Gucht E, Hof PR, Arckens L. (2011) Cytoarchitecture of the
mouse neocortex revealed by the low-molecular-weight neurofilament protein subunit. Brain
Structure Function 216(3):183-99.
Van Brussel L, Gerits A, Arckens L. (2011) Evidence for cross-modal plasticity in adult mouse
visual cortex following monocular enucleation. Cerebral Cortex 21(9):2133-46.
Engelen K, Sifrim A, Van de Plas B, Laukens K, Arckens L, Marchal K. (2010) Alternative
experimental design with an applied normalization scheme can improve statistical power in
2D-DIGE experiments. Journal of Proteome Research 9(10):4919-26.
Massie A, Schallier A, Vermoesen K, Arckens L, Michotte Y. (2010) Biphasic and bilateral
changes in striatal VGLUT1 and 2 protein expression in hemi-Parkinson rats. Neurochemistry
International 57(2):111-8.
Van den Bergh G, Zhang B, Arckens L, Chino YM. (2010) Receptive-field properties of V1 and
V2 neurons in mice and macaque monkeys. Journal of Comparative Neurology 518(11):205170.
Hu TT, Laeremans A, Eysel UT, Cnops L, Arckens L. (2009) Analysis of c-fos and zif268
expression reveals time-dependent changes in activity inside and outside the lesion
projection zone in adult cat area 17 after retinal lesions. Cerebral Cortex 19(12):2982-92.
van Brussel L, Gerits A, Arckens L. (2009) Identification and localization of functional
subdivisions in the visual cortex of the adult mouse. Journal of Comparative Neurology
514(1):107-16.
Cnops L, Hu TT, Burnat K, Arckens L. (2008) Influence of binocular competition on the
expression profiles of CRMP2, CRMP4, Dyn I, and Syt I in developing cat visual cortex.
Cerebral Cortex 18(5):1221-31.
Vercauteren FG, Flores G, Ma W, Chabot JG, Geenen L, Clerens S, Fazel A, Bergeron JJ,
Srivastava LK, Arckens L, Quirion R. (2007) An organelle proteomic method to study
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neurotransmission-related proteins, applied to a neurodevelopmental model of
schizophrenia. Proteomics. 7(19):3569-79.
Cnops L, Hu TT, Vanden Broeck J, Burnat K, Van Den Bergh G, Arckens L. (2007) Age- and
experience-dependent expression of dynamin I and synaptotagmin I in cat visual system.
Journal of Comparative Neurology 504(3):254-64.
Van der Gucht E, Hof PR, Van Brussel L, Burnat K, Arckens L.(2007) Neurofilament protein
and neuronal activity markers define regional architectonic parcellation in the mouse visual
cortex. Cerebral Cortex 17(12):2805-19.
Clerens S, Ceuppens R, Arckens L. (2206) CreateTarget and Analyze This!: new software
assisting imaging mass spectrometry on Bruker Reflex IV and Ultraflex II instruments. Rapid
Communication in Mass Spectrometry 20(20):3061-6.
Van den Bergh G, Arckens L. (2005) Recent advances in 2D electrophoresis: an array of
possibilities. Expert Reviews in Proteomics. 2(2):243-52.
Vercauteren FG, Bergeron JJ, Vandesande F, Arckens L, Quirion R.(2004) Proteomic
approaches in brain research and neuropharmacology. European Journal of Pharmacology
500(1-3):385-98.
Van den Bergh G, Arckens L. (2004) Fluorescent two-dimensional difference gel
electrophoresis unveils the potential of gel-based proteomics. Current Opinion in
Biotechnology 15(1):38-43.
15
VEERLE BAEKELANDT, PH.D.
Contact address:
Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy
Division of Molecular Medicine
K.U.Leuven – Faculty of Medicine
Kapucijnenvoer 33 B7001 (VCTB+5)
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 33 63 32 or +32 16 33 21 56
Fax: +32 16 33 63 36
E-mail: veerle.baekelandt@med.kuleuven.be
Website: www.kuleuven.be/molmed
1983-1987
1987-1991
1995
Licentiate in Romance languages, K.U.Leuven
Licentiate in biology, group zoology, K.U.Leuven
Ph.D. degree in biology, K.U.Leuven
RESEARCH TOPICS
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Parkinson’s disease
Adult neurogenesis
Viral vector technology
RESEARCH AREAS
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. Over the last 10
years, PD research has been fueled by the identification of genes that are linked to rare familial forms
of the disease. Understanding the function of these genes will undoubtedly provide crucial insights
into the pathogenesis of the more common sporadic forms of PD. Our research focuses on these
familial PD-linked proteins since they provide valuable clues to unravel the pathogenic pathways
involved. We are using viral vector technology and molecular imaging as core technologies to
develop and characterize new cellular and rodent models. Basic insight in the pathogenesis of PD will
help to design and explore new rational, therapeutic strategies based on small molecules, neuronal
stem cells, and/or gene therapy.
Our specific research interests include: the role of α-synuclein protein aggregation, the
function of PINK1 and parkin in mitochondrial metabolism, LRRK2 and signal transduction pathways
in PD, and therapeutic modulation of endogenous neural stem cells.
16
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Frank Boas Scholarship (Fulbright Fellowship) for graduate study at Harvard University, 19921993
Triennial scientific prize of the Alumni of Botany and Zoology of Leuven (Belgium) 1997
Biennial prize of the Belgian Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (Belgium)
2002
Biennial René De Cooman prize for research related to Aging, 2006
Prize Viscountess Valine de Spoelberch of the Medical Foundation Queen Elisabeth, 2008
1. Carlon M., Toelen J., Van der Perren A., Vandenberghe L.H., Reumers V., Sbragia L., Gijsbers
R., Baekelandt V., Himmelreich U., Wilson J.M., Deprest J. and Debyser Z. Efficient gene
transfer into the mouse lung by fetal intratracheal injection of AAV2/6.2. Molecular Therapy,
in press.
2. Daniëls V., Vancraenenbroeck R., Law B.M.H., Greggio E., Lobbestael E., Gao F., De Maeyer
M., Cookson M.R., Harvey K., Baekelandt V., Taymans J.-M. Insight into the mode of action of
the LRRK2 Y1699C pathogenic mutant. Journal of Neurochemistry, in press.
3. Fiesel F.C., Voigt A., Weber S.S., Van den Haute C., Waldenmaier A., Görner K., Walter M.,
Anderson M.L., Kern J.V., Rasse T.M., Schmidt T., Springer W, Kirchner R., Bonin M.,
Neumann M., Baekelandt V., Alunni-Fabbroni M., Schulz J.B. and Kahle P.J. (2010)
Knockdown of transactive response DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) downregulates histone
deacetylase 6. EMBO Journal 29(1): 209-21.
4. Slaets H., Hendriks J.J.A., Van den Haute C., Coun F., Baekelandt V., Stinissen P. and Hellings
N. (2010) CNS-targeted LIF Expression Improves Therapeutic Efficacy and Limits
Autoimmune-mediated Demyelination in a Model of Multiple Sclerosis. Molecular Therapy
18(4): 684-91.
5. Gerard M., Deleersnijder A., Daniëls V., Schreurs S., Munck S., Reumers V., Pottel H.,
Engelborghs Y., Van den Haute C., Taymans J.-M., Debyser Z. and Baekelandt V. (2010)
Inhibition of FK506 Binding Proteins reduces alpha-synuclein aggregation and Parkinson’s
disease-like pathology. Journal of Neurosciences 30: 2454-2463.
6. Thathiah A., Spittaels K., Hoffmann M., Staes M., Cohen A., Horré K., Vanbrabant M., Coun F.,
Baekelandt V., Delacourte A., Fischer D.F., Pollet D., De Strooper B., and Merchiers P. (2009)
The orphan G protein-coupled receptor 3 is a novel modulator of amyloid-beta peptide
generation in neurons. Science 323(5916): 946-51.
7. Waak J., Springer W., Weber S.S., Waldenmaier A., Görner K., Alunni-Fabbroni M., VogtWeisenhorn D., Pham T.-T., Schütz M., Autenrieth I.B., Reumers V., Baekelandt V., Wurst W.,
and Kahle P.J. (2009) Regulation of Astrocyte Inflammatory Responses by the Parkinson’s
Disease-Associated Gene DJ-1. FASEB Journal 23(8): 2478-89.
8. Ibrahimi A., Vande Velde G., Thiry I.,, Reumers V., Vandeputte C., Deroose C., Toelen J.,
Baekelandt V., Debyser Z., Gijsbers R. (2009) Efficient co-expression of multiple imaging
reporters in rodent brain using polycistronic lentivectors. Human Gene Therapy, 20(8): 845860.
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9. Parisiadou L., Xie C., Lin X., Gu X., Long C.-X., Baekelandt V., Lobbestael E., Taymans J.-M., Sun
L., and Cai H. (2009) Phosphorylation of ERM Proteins by LRRK2 Promotes the
Rearrangement of Actin Cytoskeleton in Neuronal Morphogenesis. Journal of Neurosciences
29(44): 13971-80.
10. Greggio E., Zambrano I., Kaganovich A., Beilina A., Taymans J.-M., Daniëls V., Lewis P., Jain S.,
Ding J., Syed A., Thomas K.J., Baekelandt V. and Cookson M.R. (2008) The Parkinson’s disease
associated Leucine Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a dimer that undergoes intra-molecular
autophosphorylation. Journal of Biological Chemistry 283(24): 16906-14.
11. Reumers, V., Deroose C.M., Krylyshkina O., Nuyts J., Geraerts M., Mortelmans L., Gijsbers R.,
Van den Haute C., Debyser Z. and Baekelandt V. (2008) Non-invasive and quantitative
monitoring of adult neuronal stem cell migration in mouse brain using bioluminescence
imaging. Stem Cells 26(9): 2382-9.
12. Lauwers E., Bequé D., Van Laere K., Nuyts J., Bormans G., Mortelmans L., Vercammen L.,
Bockstael O., Nuttin B., Debyser Z. and Baekelandt V. (2007) Non-invasive imaging of
neuropathology in a rat model of alpha-synuclein overexpression. Neurobiology of Aging 28:
248-257.
13. Geraerts M., Krylychkina O., Debyser Z. and Baekelandt V. (2007) Therapeutic strategies for
Parkinson’s disease based on the modulation of adult neurogenesis. Stem Cells 25: 263-270.
14. Taymans J.-M., Vandenberghe L., Van den Haute C., Thiry I., Deroose C., Mortelmans L.,
Wilson J.M., Debyser Z., and Baekelandt V. (2007) Comparative Analysis of Adeno-Associated
Viral Vector Serotypes 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8 in Mouse Brain. Human Gene Therapy 18: 195-206.
15. Gérard M., Debyser Z., Desender L., Kahle P.J., Baert J., Baekelandt V. and Engelborghs Y.
(2006) The aggregation of alpha-synuclein is stimulated by FK506 Binding Proteins as shown
by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy. FASEB Journal 20(3): 524-526.
16. Geraerts M., Eggermont K., Hernandez-Acosta P., Garcia-Verdugo J.-M., Baekelandt V. and
Debyser Z. (2006) Lentiviral vectors mediate efficient and stable gene transfer in adult neural
stem cells in vivo. Human Gene Therapy 17(6): 635-50.
17. Taymans J.-M., Van den Haute C. and Baekelandt V. (2006) Distribution of PINK1 and LRRK2
in rat and mouse brain. Journal of Neurochemistry 98: 951-961.
18. Deroose C.M., Reumers V., Gijsbers R., Bormans G., Debyser Z., Mortelmans L. and
Baekelandt V. (2006) Noninvasive monitoring of long-term lentiviral vector-mediated gene
expression in rodent brain with bioluminescence imaging. Molecular Therapy 14: 423-431.
19. Vercammen L., Van der Perren A., Vaudano E., Gijsbers R., Debyser Z., Van den Haute C. and
Baekelandt V. (2006) Parkin protects against neurotoxicity in the 6-hydroxydopamine rat
model for Parkinson’s disease. Molecular Therapy 14: 716-723.
20. Lauwers E., Debyser Z., Van Dorpe J., De Strooper B., Nuttin B. and Baekelandt V. (2003)
Neuropathology and neurodegeneration in rodent brain induced by lentiviral vectormediated overexpression of α-synuclein. Brain Pathology 13: 364-372.
21. Baekelandt V., Eggermont K., Michiels M., Nuttin B. and Debyser Z. (2003) Optimized
lentiviral vector production and purification procedure prevents immune response after
transduction of mouse brain. Gene Therapy 10: 1933-1940.
22. Van den Haute C., Eggermont K., Nuttin B., Debyser Z. and Baekelandt V. (2003) Lentiviral
vector-mediated delivery of short hairpin RNA results in persistent knock-down of gene
expression in mouse brain. Human Gene Therapy 14: 1799-1807.
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PETER CARMELIET, M.D., PH.D.
Contact address:
Vesalius Research Centrum
O&N I Herestraat 49 - bus 00912
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: + 32 16 34 57 74
Fax: + 32 16 34 59 90
E-mail: peter.carmeliet@vib-kuleuven.be
1985-1989
1990-1994
1993-1995
1993-1996
1994-1998
1994-1996
1995-1997
1996-2008
1996-present
1996-1997
1998-2000
1999-present
2000-present
2004-present
2008-present
Aspirant “National Fund for Scientific Research of Belgium” (NFWO)
Research Associate “National Fund for Scientific Research of Belgium” (Aangesteld
Navorser, NFWO)
Lecturer in "Master & Ph.D. Program in Medical and Pharmaceutical Research", Free
University of Brussels
Member of the Bureau of the Department of Molecular and Cardiovascular Biology,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Leuven
Associate Professor (Hoofddocent), Faculty of Medicine, University of Leuven,
Belgium
Adjunct Staff, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, USA
Visiting Professor, Free University of Brussels
Adjunct-Director, Center Transgene Technology & Gene Therapy, Flanders
Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, University of Leuven, Belgium.
Ph.D. thesis committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leuven, Belgium
Student-Researcher committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leuven, Belgium
Professor (Hoogleraar), Faculty of Medicine, University of Leuven, Belgium
Professor, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
Full Professor (Gewoon Hoogleraar), Faculty of Medicine, University of Leuven,
Belgium
Visiting Professor, Darthmouth University, NH, USA
Director, Vesalius Research Center, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, VIB
RESEARCH TOPICS
Using genetic and gene-manipulation technologies in mice, zebrafish, Xenopus and humans
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angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in health and disease
neurodegeneration; in particular the role of VEGF in motor neuron degeneration
(ALS)
neurovascular link and oxygen sensing
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Paulo Gontijo Prize, Instituto Paulo Gontijo, Sao Paulo (Brazil) 2009
Francqui Leerstoel, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels (Belgium) 2008
Francqui Leerstoel, University of Brussels (Belgium) 2007
Francqui Leerstoel, University of Liege (Belgium) 2006
Lucian Award for research in Circulatory Disease, McGill University, 2007
Presidential Special Lecture, Society of Neuroscience Annual meeting, Atlanta (USA) 2006
Feodor Lynen Lecture, Nature Biotechnology Winter Symposium, Miami (USA) 2006
Interbrew-Baillet Latour Prize (Belgium) 2005 (jointly with Désiré Collen)
Liliane Bettencourt Life Sciences Award, 2002
Francqui Prize, Belgian Academy Medicine (Belgium) 2002
1. Mazzone M., Dettori D, Leite de Oliveira R., Loges S., Schmidt T., Jonckx B., Tian Y., Lanahan
A.A., Pollard P., Ruiz de Almodovar C., De Smet F., Vinckier S., Aragones J., Luttun A., Wyns S.,
Jordan B., Pisacane A., Gallez B., Lampugnani M.G., Dejana E., Simons M., Ratcliffe P.,
Maxwell P. and Carmeliet P. (2009) Heterozygous deficiency of PHD2 restores tumor
oxygenation and inhibits metastasis via endothelial normalization. Cell 136(5): 839-51.
2. Aragones J., Schneider M., Van Geyte K., Fraisl P., Dresselaers T., Mazzone M., Dirkx R.,
Zacchigna S., Lemieux H., Jeoung N.H., Lambrechts D., Bishop T., Lafuste P., Diez-Juan A.,
Harten S. K., Van Noten P., De Bock K., Willam C., Tjwa M., Grosfeld A., Navet R., Moons L.,
Vandendriessche T., Deroose C., Wijeyekoon B., Nuyts J., Jordan B., Silasi-Mansat R., Lupu F.,
Dewerchin M., Pugh C., Salmon P., Mortelmans L., Gallez B., Gorus F., Buyse J., Sluse F.,
Harris R.A., Gnaiger E., Hespel P., Van Hecke P., Schuit F., Van Veldhoven P., Ratcliffe P., Baes
M., Maxwell P. and Carmeliet P. (2008) Deficiency or inhibition of oxygen sensor Phd1
induces hypoxia tolerance by reprogramming basal metabolism. Nature Genetics 40(2): 17080.
3. Fischer C., Jonckx B., Mazzone M., Zacchigna S., Loges S., Pattarini L., Chorianopoulos E.,
Liesenborghs L., Koch M., De Mol M., Autiero M., Wyns S., Plaisance S., Moons L., van
Rooijen N., Giacca M., Stassen J.M., Dewerchin M., Collen D. and Carmeliet P. (2007) AntiPlGF inhibits growth of VEGF(R)-Inhibitor-Resistant tumors without affecting healthy vessels.
Cell 131(3): 463-75.
4. Ny A., Koch M., Schneider M., Neven E., Tong R.T., Maity S., Fischer C., Plaisance S.,
Lambrechts D., Heligon C., Terclavers S., Ciesiolka M., Kalin R., Man W.Y., Senn I., Wyns S.,
Lupu F., Brandli A., Vleminckx K., Collen D., Dewerchin M., Conway E.M., Moons L., Jain R.K.
and Carmeliet P. (2005) A genetic Xenopus laevis tadpole model to study lymphangiogenesis.
Nature Medicine 11: 998-1004.
5. Storkebaum E., Lambrechts D., Dewerchin M., Moreno-Murciano M.P., Appelmans S., Oh H.,
Van Damme P., Rutten B., Man W.Y., De Mol M., Wyns S., Manka D., Vermeulen K., Van Den
Bosch L., Mertens N., Schmitz C., Robberecht W., Conway E.M., Collen D., Moons L. and
Carmeliet P. (2005) Treatment of motoneuron degeneration by intracerebro-ventricular
delivery of VEGF in a rat model of ALS. Nature Neuroscience 8: 85-92.
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RUDI D’HOOGE, PH.D.
Contact address:
Laboratory of Biological Psychology
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Tiensestraat 102
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: + 32 16 32 61 42
E-mail: rudi.dhooge@psy.kuleuven.be
1988
Master’s Degree in Biotechnology, Antwerp University [Licentiaat in de Dierkunde –
Biotechnologie, UIA]
1990
Master’s Degree in Experimental Psychology, Brussels University [Licentiaat in de
Psychologie, Optie Experimentele Psychologie, VUB]
1994
Ph.D., Doctor in Biomedical Sciences, Antwerp University
1996-2003
Assistant professor & senior researcher at Born-Bunge Foundation
2002
Ph.D., Doctor in Psychology, Brussels University (VUB)
2003-present Head of Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Dept. Psychology, K.U.Leuven
2003-2007
Professor, Dept. Psychology, K.U.Leuven
2007-present Full professor, Dept. Psychology, K.U.Leuven
RESEARCH TOPICS
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Mechanisms of neural and behavioural plasticity; learning and memory
Biopsychological mechanisms of brain and behavioural disorders
Preclinical studies on pathophysiology & treatment of neurocognitive disorders (including
metabolic brain disease, neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, etc.)
Behavioural assessment and brain activity recording techniques in rodent models
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Postdoctoral fellowship funded by Research Fund FWO-Vlaanderen at UA Association Health
Science Dept., University of Antwerp (Belgium) 1997-2003
Ph.D. studentship funded by Flemish research fund IWONL/IWT atUA Association Health
Science Dept., University of Antwerp (Belgium) 1992-1995
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1. Vervoort R., Ceulemans H., Van Aerschot L., D'Hooge R. and David G. (2010) Genetic
modification of the inner ear lateral semicircular canal phenotype of the Bmp4 haploinsufficient mouse. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 394: 780-785.
2. Glyvuk N., Tsytsyura Y., Geumann C., D'Hooge R., Hüve J., Kratzke M., Baltes J., Böning D.,
Klingauf J. and Schu P. (2010) AP-1/σ1B-adaptin mediates endosomal synaptic vesicle
recycling, learning and memory. EMBO Journal 29: 1318-1330.
3. Woolley D.G., Vermaercke B., Op de Beeck H., Wagemans J., Gantois I., D'Hooge R., Swinnen
S.P. and Wenderoth N. (2010) Sex differences in human virtual water maze performance:
Novel measures reveal the relative contribution of directional responding and spatial
knowledge. Behavioural Brain Research 208: 408-414.
4. Coremans V., Ahmed T., Balschun D., D’Hooge R., De Vriese A., Cremer J., Antonucci F.,
Moons M., Baekelandt V., Reumers V., Cremer H., Eisch A., Lagace D., Janssens T., Bozzi Y.,
Caleo M. and Conway E. (2010) Impaired neurogenesis, learning and memory and low seizure
threshold associated with loss of neural precursor cell survivin. BMC Neuroscience 11: 2.
5. Balschun D., Moechars D., Callaerts-Vegh Z., Vermaercke B., Van Acker N., Andries L. and
D’Hooge R. (2010) Vesicular glutamate transporter VGLUT1 has a role in hippocampal longterm potentiation and spatial reversal learning. Cerebral Cortex 20: 684-693.
6. Leo S., D'Hooge R. andMeert T. (2010) Exploring the role of nociceptor-specific sodium
channels in pain transmission using Na(v)1.8 and Na(v)1.9 knockout mice. Behavioural Brain
Research 208: 149-157.
7. Kalus I., Salmen B., Viebahn C., von Figura K., Schmitz D., D'Hooge R. and Dierks T. (2009)
Differential involvement of the extracellular 6-O-endosulfatases Sulf1 and Sulf2 in brain
development, and neuronal and behavioral plasticity. Journal of Cellular and Molecular
Medicine 13: 4505-4521.
8. Leo S., Moechars D., Callaerts-Vegh Z., D’Hooge R. and Meert T. (2009) Impairment of
VGLUT2 but not VGLUT1 signaling reduces neuropathy-induced hypersensitivity. European
Journal of Pain 13: 1008-1017.
9. Van Calsteren K., Hartmann D., Van Aerschot L., Verbesselt R., Van Bree R., D’Hooge R. and
Amant F. (2009) Vinblastine and doxorubicin administration to pregnant mice affects brain
development and behaviour in the offspring. Neurotoxicology 30: 647-657.
10. Kerkhof I., Goesaert E., Dirikx T., Vansteenwegen D., Baeyens F., D’Hooge R. and Hermans D.
(2009) Assessing valence indirectly and online. Cognition & Emotion 23: 1615-1629.
11. Leroy T., Stroobants S., Aerts J.-M., D’Hooge R. and Berckmans D. (2009) Automatic analysis
of altered gait in arylsulfatase A-deficient mice in the open field. Behavior Research Methods
41: 787-794.
12. Matzner U., Lüllmann-Rauch R., Stroobants S., Andersson C., Weigelt C., Eistrup C., Fogh J.,
D’Hooge R. and Gieselmann V. (2009) Enzyme replacement improves ataxic gait and central
nervous system histopathology in a mouse model of metachromatic leukodystrophy.
Molecular Therapy 17: 600-606.
13. Bollen B., Bouslama M., Matrot B., Rotrou Y., Vardon G., Lofaso F., Van den Bergh O.,
D’Hooge R. and Gallego J. (2009) Cold stimulates the behavioral response to hypoxia in
newborn mice. American Journal of Physiology (Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative
Physiology) 296: R1503-1511.
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14. Serneels L., Van Biervliet J., Craessaerts K., Dejaegere T., Horré K., Van Houtvin T., Esselmann
H., Paul S., Schäfer M.K., Berezovska O., Hyman B.T., Sprangers B., Sciot R., Moons L., Jucker
M., Yang Z., May P.C., Karran E., Wiltfang J., D’Hooge R. and De Strooper B. (2009) γSecretase heterogeneity in the Aph1 subunit: relevance for Alzheimer’s Disease. Science 324:
639-642.
15. Goddyn H., Callaerts-Vegh Z., Stroobants S., Dirikx T., Vansteenwegen D., Hermans D., van
der Putten H. and D'Hooge R. (2008) Deficits in acquisition and extinction of conditioned
responses in mGluR7 knockout mice. Neurobiology of Learning & Memory 90: 103-111.
16. Callaerts-Vegh Z., Beckers T., Ball S.M., Baeyens F., Callaerts P.F., Cryan J.F., Molnar E. and
D’Hooge R. (2006) Concomitant deficits in working memory and fear extinction are
functionally dissociated from reduced anxiety in mGluR7-deficient mice. Journal of
Neurosciences 26: 6573-6582.
17. D’Hooge R., Lüllmann-Rauch R., Beckers T., Balschun D., Schwake M., Reiss K. and Saftig P.
(2005) Neurocognitive and psychotiform behavioral alterations and enhanced hippocampal
long-term potentiation in transgenic mice displaying neuropathological features of human
alpha-mannosidosis. Journal of Neurosciences 25: 6539-6549.
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PETER JANSSEN, M.D., PH.D.
Contact address:
Division Neurophysiology
O&N II Herestraat 49, bus 1021
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 34 57 45
Fax: +32 16 34 59 93
E-mail: peter.janssen@med.kuleuven.be
Website: www.neuroserv.kuleuven.be
1996
1996
2000
2001-2003
Master in Medicine, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Master in Psychology, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
PhD in Medical Sciences, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
postdoctoral researcher, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
RESEARCH TOPICS
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The representation of objects in the dorsal visual stream
The neural basis of perceptual judgments on 3D shape from disparity
Functional interactions between premotor and parietal cortex during visually-guided
grasping
The premotor cortex in monkeys and humans
Spatial attention and the planning of eye movements
The relation between haemodynamic responses and neural responses studied with fMRI and
single-cell recordings
Amygdala kindling as a model for temporal lobe epilepsy
RESEARCH AREAS
We live in a three-dimensional (3D) world. In everyday life, we continuously interact with objects in
an effortless way: we scrutinize the world with our eye movements; we recognize, grasp and
manipulate objects skillfully and at a remarkable speed. My research focuses on the neural basis of
3D object vision. The areas involved in the visual analysis of 3D objects for recognition and actions
are located in the parietal, premotor and inferotemporal cortex. To elucidate the underlying neural
mechanisms we employ an integrated approach, in which single-cell recordings, electrical
microstimulation, reversible inactivation and fMRI are combined. In this way we achieve high spatial
and temporal resolution (the responses of single neurons recorded on a timescale of milliseconds), a
general overview of the brain areas activated by 3D stimuli (fMRI) and causal techniques to study the
relation between neural activity and behavior (microstimulation and inactivation) . We use the only
animal model that is relevant to study these high-level cognitive processes: the macaque monkey.
24
When possible, studies on human patients provide invaluable information that can be compared with
the data acquired in the monkey.
More recently, we started to investigate the neural basis of temporal lobe epilepsy using an
amygdala kindling model in the macaque monkey. With this model we can carefully study the
process of epileptogenesis in a longitudinal way using PET and MR imaging combined with single-cell
and local field potential recordings.
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Award of the Research Council of the K.U.Leuven for Biomedical Sciences (Belgium) 2001
Honorary fellowship of the Belgian-American Educational Foundation, 2001
Career Development Award of the Human Frontiers Science Program, 2005
1. Verhoef B.-E., Vogels R. and Janssen, P. (2010) The contribution of inferior temporal and
posterior parietal activity to three-dimensional shape perception. Current Biology 20: 909913.
2. Srivastava S., Orban G. A., De Maziere P. and Janssen P. (2009) A distinct representation of threedimensional shape in macaque anterior intraparietal area: fast, metric and coarse. Journal of
Neuroscience 29: 10613-10626.
3. Janssen P., Srivastava S., Ombelet S. and Orban G.A. (2008) Coding of shape and position in
macaque lateral intraparietal area. Journal of Neuroscience 28: 6679-6690.
4. Janssen P. and Shadlen M. N. (2005) A representation of the hazard rate of elapsed time in
macaque area LIP. Nature Neuroscience 8: 234-241.
5. Janssen P., Vogels R., Liu Y. and Orban G. A. (2003) At least in inferior temporal cortex the
stereo correspondence problem is solved. Neuron 37: 693-701.
6. Janssen P., Vogels R. and Orban G. A. (2000a) Selectivity for three-dimensional shape that
reveals distinct areas in macaque inferior temporal cortex. Science 288: 2054-2056.
7. Janssen P., Vogels R. and Orban G. A. (2000b) Three-dimensional shape coding in inferior
temporal cortex. Neuron 27: 385-397.
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STEFAN SUNAERT, M.D., PH.D.
Contact address:
Dept. of Radiology – Medical Imaging Research Center
Herestraat 49
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 34 37 71
Fax: +32 16 34 37 65
E-mail: Stefan.Sunaert@uzleuven.be
Website: http://mic.uzleuven.be
1995
2001
2002
Medicine, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium
Doctor in the Medical Sciences, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium
Radiology, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium
RESEARCH TOPICS
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Magnetic resonance imaging
MR imaging
Analysis of neuroanatomic and neurofunctional substrates in autism
Structural and functional imaging in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration
Functional and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging
RESEARCH AREAS
The main research topic is the study of the functional and structural organization of the normal and
pathological human brain by the combination of functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging.
The current research topics are structured along three lines:
1/ Investment and research in large imaging infrastructure (MRI at 1.5 and 3T; EEG).
2/ Promotorship of PhD students:
− S. Kovacs on the topic “The use of fMRI and DTI for the non-invasive characterization and
treatment of non-pulsatile tinnitus”
− C. Sage on the topic “fMRI and DTI of the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis”
− J. Verhoeven on the topic “Imaging of the neuro-anatomical and neuro-functional subtrates
of autism”
− S. Deprez on the topic “MRI of the cognitive dysfunction in patients with adjuvant
chemotherapy”
26
3/ Involvement in other projects, including:
− Structural and functional imaging in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration
− Endophenotyping of the autism spectrum disorder: neurocognition and brain imaging.
− Cortical mechanisms of attentional shift towards visual objects: combined EEG-FMRI studies.
− Dyslexia as an auditory temporal information disorder
− Structural plasticity of the adult brain.
− Integration of EEG and fMRI
− The contribution of cortical areas in higher order sensorimotor control as determined by
fMRI
− Impact of new treatment strategies on the long-term morbidity of the neonate-at-risk
− Sensory functions in cerebral palsy.
− Structure and function of the cerebral cortex in the human and non-human primate
− 3T MRI for the non-invasive anatomical and functional imaging of large animals
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Winner of the Horlait-Dapsens Medical Scholarship, 2001
Nomination of Excellence for the Sixth Lucien Appel Prize for Neuroradiology, 2002
Winner of the ECR 2004 Research & Education Fund, 2004
1st prize of the Best Scientific Paper Awards 2006 within the topic "Neuro" during the 18th
European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2006, Vienna (Austria) 2006
Course Director of the European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology
(ESMRMB) – School of MRI on clinical fMRI, 2007
Winner of the Outstanding Teaching Award of the International Society for Magnetic
Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM), 2008
Section Editor of the journal Neuroradiology, 2008
Member of the Annual Meeting Program Committee (AMPC) of the 17th Scientific Meeting &
Exhibition of the international society of magnetic resonance imaging in medicine (ISMRM),
2009
Member of the Postgraduate Educational Programme (PEP) of the European Congress of
Radiology 2010 (European Society for Radiology), 2010
Chair of the Scientific Program Committee of the European Society for Magnetic Resonance
in Medicine and Biology (ESMRMB) congress in 2012, 2010
1. Sage C. A., Van Hecke W., Peeters R., Sijbers J., Robberecht W., Parizel P., Marchal G.,
Leemans A. and Sunaert S. (2009) Quantitative diffusion tensor imaging in amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis: Revisited. Human Brain Mapping 30(11): 3657-3675.
2. Sage C.A., Peeters R., Görner A., Robberecht W. and Sunaert S. (2007) Quantitative diffusion
tensor imaging in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. NeuroImage 2: 486-499.
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3. Thomas B., Eyssen M., Peeters R., Molenaers G., Van Hecke P., De Cock P. and Sunaert S.
(2005) Quantitative diffusion tensor imaging in cerebral palsy due to periventricular white
matter injury. Brain 11: 2562-2577.
4. Vanduffel W., Fize D., Peuskens H., Denys K., Sunaert S., Todd J.T. and Orban G. (2002)
Extracting 3D from motion: differences in human and monkey intraparietal cortex. Science
5592: 413-5.
5. Sunaert S., Van Hecke P., Marchal G. and Orban G. (1999) Motion-responsive regions of the
human brain. Experimental brain research 4: 355-70.
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KOEN VAN LAERE, M.D., PH.D., D.SC.
Contact address:
Division of Nuclear Medicine
E901, Herestraat 49
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 34 37 13
Fax: +32 16 34 37 59
E-mail: koen.vanlaere@uzleuven.be
Website: www.kuleuven.be/nucmed
1987
1992
1997
2001
2002
2007
Licence (M.Sc.) physics, Ghent University, Belgium
Ph.D. in radiation physics, Ghent University, Belgium
Medical doctor, Ghent University, Belgium
Ph.D. in Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
Board Certified Specialist in Nuclear Medicine
Full professor faculty of Medicine
RESEARCH TOPICS
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Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging in primary and secondary neurodegeneration,
especially focused on protein and neuroreceptor imaging
PET Imaging for CNS drug development
RESEARCH AREAS
1. Development and evaluation of new fluorine-18 labeled tracer agents for study of amyloid and
tau pathology in human brain and for therapy follow-up of disease modifying drugs in
Alzheimer’s disease, other dementing disorders, amyloid angiopathy and old age depression
(collab Prof. R. Vandenberghe, Prof. M. Vandenbulcke, Prof. V. Thijs).
2. Development and evaluation of tracers for study of endocannabinoid related pathology in the
human brain (Prof. D. Lambert (UCL), Prof. J. van Os (Maastricht), Prof. M. Leweke (MPI Cologne,
Mannheim, Prof. W.Vandenberghe, Prof.M.Vandenbulcke). We have established an intensive
(pre)clinical endocannabinoid imaging research team and the established first successful clinical
imaging of both CB1 receptors (collab. with Merck, USA) and CB2 receptors, which are
investigated in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.
3. Validation of animal models for neurodegenerative disorders enabling biomarker development
and stem cell therapy (collab. Prof. V. Baekelandt, Prof. O. Riess (U. Tubingen), Prof. C.Verfaillie):
Objective preclinical molecular neuroimaging data will be used to validate these animal models
and surpass the limitations of the currently used behavioural tests. New imaging strategies for
stem cell therapy are being developed and validated.
29
4. Development and evaluation of tracer agents for study of dopamine (DA) related pathology in
the human brain [dopamine transporters, D2/D3 receptors, dopamine release; collab. Prof. S.
Claes, Prof. J. van Os (U. Maastricht)], e.g. in movement disorders and psychiatric disorders
(depression, psychosis).
5. Development of an optimized CNS image reconstruction and processing pipeline applicable to
quantitative CNS studies from rodent to man: The research goal is to improve the image quality
and quantification in PET and SPECT using complementary multimodal sources, in particular MRI,
for improved reconstruction, partial volume correction and automated sensitive voxelwise
analysis.
6. Development and clinical application of novel tracers for in vivo quantification in
neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. phosphodiesterase type 10A in movement disorders, histamine
H3 receptor, …).
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First Prize "Specia" Faculty of Medicine Ghent University, for exceptional study efforts, 1997
Second prize Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) "Best Basic Science Investigation of the year
2000", 2001
"Van Vaerenbergh - De Visscher" award, Belgian Society for Nuclear Medicine, 2002
Alavi-Mandell award in Nuclear Medicine, Society for Nuclear Medicine (USA) 2002
Scientific Prize Pfizer for best PhD dissertation in medical sciences 2002, Ghent University
(Belgium) 2002
1. Vandenberghe R., Van Laere K., Ivanoiu A., Salmon A., Salmon E., Bastin C., Triau E.,
Hasselbalch S., Law I., Andersen A., Korner A., Minthon L., Garraux G., Nelissen N., Bormans
G., Bucley C., Owenius R., Thurfjell L., Farrar G. and Brooks D.J. (2010) 18F-flutemetamol
amyloid imaging in Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment: a phase 2 trial. Annals
of Neurology 68(3): 319-329.
2. Van Laere K., Cleerinckx K., Dhont E., de Groot T. and Vandenberghe W. (2010) Combined
striatal binding and cerebral influx analysis of dynamic 11C-Raclopride PET improves early
differentiation between multiple-system atrophy and Parkinson’s Disease. Journal of Nuclear
Medicine 51(4): 588-595.
3. Burns D., Van Laere K., Sanabria-Bohórquez S., Hamill T., Bormans G., Wai-Si E., Gibson R.,
Ryan C., Conolly B., Vanko A., Patel S., Krause S., Van Hecken A., Dupont P., De Lepeleire I.,
Rothenberg P., Stoch S., Cote J., Hagmann W., Jewell J., Lin L., Liu P., Goulet M., Gottesdiener
K., Wagner J., de Hoon J., Mortelmans L., Fong T. and Hargreaves R. (2007) [18F]MK-9470, a
positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for in vivo human PET brain imaging of the
Cannabinoid-type 1 receptor. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) USA
104(23): 9800-9805.
30
RIK VANDENBERGHE, M.D., PH.D.
Contact address:
Neurology
University Hospital Leuven
Herestraat 49
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 34 42 80
Fax: +32 16 34 42 85
E-mail: rik.vandenberghe@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
Website: http://med.kuleuven.be/lcn/
http://www.uzleuven.be/geheugenkliniek/
1991
1993-1997
Degree of Medical Doctor, Faculty of Medicine, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Research fellow of the National Fund for Scientific Research (N.F.W.O.), Laboratorium
voor Neuro- en Psychofysiologie (director: Professor Dr. G.A. Orban), Faculty of
Medicine, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
1995-1997
Research Fellow, Functional Imaging Laboratory, Wellcome Department of Cognitive
Neurology (director: Professor Dr. R.S.J. Frackowiak), Institute of Neurology, Queen
Square, London, United Kingdom
1997
Ph.D. degree, "The Anatomy of Visual Cognition Measured with Positron Emission
Tomography", advisor Professor Dr. G.A. Orban, Faculty of Medicine, K.U.Leuven,
Belgium
1997-1999
Affiliated Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United
Kingdom
1999-present Registered as Specialist in Neurology, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
1999-2000
Human Frontiers Long-term Fellowship, Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease
Center (director: Professor Dr. M.M. Mesulam), Northwestern University Medical
School, Chicago, IL, U.S.A.
2000-present Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, K.U.Leuven
RESEARCH TOPICS
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Functional neuroanatomy of language and spatial attention
Clinical research in cortical neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer, Frontotemporal
degeneration)
RESEARCH AREAS
Rik Vandenberghe is director of the memory clinic of the University Hospitals Leuven and, since 2005,
head of the newly founded Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, K.U.Leuven. The memory clinic of the
31
University Hospitals Leuven is part of the European Alzheimer's Disease Consortium (EADC) and
provides early diagnosis, treatment and care for patients with Alzheimer's disease and
frontotemporal degeneration across the disease spectrum with a special interest in early-onset
dementia as well as atypical variants (primary progressive aphasia, posterior cortical atrophy). The
memory clinic also actively contributes to biomarker and clinical drug development (phase 1, 2, and
3), both investigator-driven and through collaboration with industrial partners. The Laboratory for
Cognitive Neurology is part of a K.U.Leuven Centre of Excellence and combines cognitive research in
cognitively intact volunteers with studies in patients with cortical neurodegenerative disease and
focal cortical stroke using different methodologies from behavioral assessment over functional
magnetic resonance imaging to molecular imaging. The two primary aims are to define the
organization of brain circuits for language and spatial attention in the intact brain and the underlying
pathophysiological mechanisms leading to clinical dysfunction (http://med.kuleuven.be/lcn/).
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Inbev-Baillet Latour Clinical Research Prize, 2007
Queen Elisabeth Medical Foundation UCB scientific award for neuroscience (Belgium) 2008
1. Vandenberghe R., Van Laere K., Ivanoiu A., Salmon E., Bastin C., Triau E., Hasselbalch S., Law
I., Andersen A., Korner A., Minthon L., Garraux G., Nelissen N., Bormans G., Buckley C.,
Owenius R., Thurfjell L., Farrar G. and Brooks D.J. (2010) 18F-flutemetamol amyloid imaging
in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: a phase 2 trial. Annals of Neurology
68: 319-329.
2. Nelissen N., Pazzaglia M., Vandenbulcke M., Sunaert S., Fannes K., Dupont P., Aglioti S.M.,
Vandenberghe R. (2010) Gesture discrimination in primary progressive aphasia: the
intersection between gesture and language processing pathways. Journal of Neurosciences
30: 6334-6341.
3. Nelissen N., Van Laere K., Thurfjell L., Owenius R., Vandenbulcke M., Koole M., Bormans G.,
Brooks D.J. and Vandenberghe R. (2009) Phase I study of the PIB derivative 18F-flutemetamol
in healthy volunteers and patients with probable Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Nuclear
Medicine 50: 1251-1259.
4. Molenberghs P., Peeters R. and Vandenberghe R. (2008) Convergence between lesionsymptom mapping and fMRI of spatially selective attention in the intact brain. Journal of
Neurosciences 28: 3359-3373.
5. Nelissen N., Vandenbulcke M., Fannes K., Verbruggen A., Peeters R., Dupont P., Van Laere K.,
Bormans G. and Vandenberghe R. (2007) Abeta amyloid deposition in the language system
and how the brain responds. Brain 130: 2055-2069.
6. Molenberghs P., Mesulam M.M., Peeters R. and Vandenberghe R. (2007) Remapping
attentional priorities: Differential contribution of superior parietal lobule and intraparietal
sulcus. Cerebral Cortex 17: 2703-2712.
32
7. Vandenbulcke M., Peeters R., Fannes K. and Vandenberghe R. (2006) Knowledge of visual
attributes in the right hemisphere. Nature Neuroscience 9: 964-970.
8. Vandenbulcke M., Peeters R., Dupont P., Van Hecke P. and Vandenberghe R. (2007) Word
reading and posterior temporal dysfunction in amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Cerebral
Cortex 17: 542-551.
9. Theuns J., Marjaux E., Vandenbulcke M., Van Laere K., Kumar-Singh S., Bormans G., Van den
Broeck M., Vennekens K., Corsmit E., De Strooper B., Van Broeckhoven C. and Vandenberghe
R. (2006) Alzheimer dementia caused by a novel mutation located in the APP C-terminal
intracytosolic fragment. Human Mutation 27: 888-896.
10. Cruts M., Gijselinck I., van der Zee J., Engelborghs S., Wils H., Pirici D., Rademakers R.,
Vandenberghe R., Dermaut B., Martin J.J., van Duijn C., Peeters K., Sciot R., Santens P., De
Pooter T., Mattheijssens M., Van den Broeck M., Cuijt I., Vennekens K., De Deyn P.P., KumarSingh S., Van Broeckhoven C. (2006) Null mutations in progranulin cause ubiquitin-positive
frontotemporal dementia linked to chromosome 17q21. Nature 442: 920-924.
11. Vandenbulcke M., Peeters R., Van Hecke P. and Vandenberghe R. (2005) Anterior temporal
laterality in primary progressive aphasia shifts to the right. Annals of Neurology 58: 362-370.
12. Vandenberghe R., Geeraerts S., Molenberghs P., Lafosse C., Vandenbulcke M., Peeters K.,
Peeters M., Van Hecke P. and Orban G.A. (2005) Attentional responses to un-attended
stimuli in human parietal cortex, Brain 128: 2843-2857.
13. Vandenberghe R., Vandenbulcke M., Weintraub S., Johnson N., Porke K., Thompson C.K. and
Mesulam M. (2005) Paradoxical features of word finding difficulty in primary progressive
aphasia. Annals of Neurology 57: 204-209.
14. Vandenberghe R., Nobre A.C. and Price C.J. (2002) The response of left temporal cortex to
sentences. The Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience 14: 550-560.
15. Vandenberghe R., Gitelman D.R., Parrish T.B. and Mesulam M.M. (2001) Functional
specificity of superior parietal mediation of spatial shifting. NeuroImage 14: 661-673.
16. Mummery C.J., Patterson K., Wise R., Vandenberghe R., Price C.J. and Hodges J. (1999)
Disrupted temporal lobe connections in semantic dementia. Brain 122: 61-73.
17. Vandenberghe R., Duncan J., Dupont P., Ward R., Poline J.B., Bormans G., Michiels J.,
Mortelmans L. and Orban G.A. (1997) Attention to one or two features in left or right visual
field: a PET study. The Journal of Neuroscience 17: 3739-3750.
18. Vandenberghe R., Price C., Wise R., Josephs O. and Frackowiak R.S.J. (1996) Functional
anatomy of a common semantic system for words and pictures. Nature 383: 254-256.
33
PATRIK VERSTREKEN, PH.D.
Contact address:
Laboratory of Neuronal Communication
O&N3, Herestraat 49 bus 602
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 33 00 18
Fax: +32 16 34 71 90
E-mail: Patrik.Verstreken@cme.vib-kuleuven.be
Website: http://verstreken.vib.be/
2003
1998
Ph.D. in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Bio-Engineering - cell and gene technology (Engineering degree & Masters in
Science), University of Brussels (V.U.B.), Belgium
RESEARCH TOPICS
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Molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission
Molecular and genetic studies of Parkinson’s disease
RESEARCH AREAS
We study neuronal communication in health and disease, by combining fruit fly genetics and
molecular biology with electrophysiological measurements of synaptic transmission and an array of
imaging strategies involving fluorescent markers and EM. Neurons in circuits communicate by
releasing transmitters from vesicles and to maintain communication, neurons depend on
evolutionary conserved mechanisms that ensure a continuous supply of synaptic vesicles to release
sites; these include endocytosis, vesicle mobilization and trafficking, calcium signalling, etc. Our long
term goal is to understand these molecular mechanisms of neuronal communication using
morphological and functional assays. The central importance of neuronal communication in the brain
is underscored by numerous psychiatric and neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease,
epilepsy and addiction arising from defects in neuronal function. Hence, our studies will not only help
elucidate mechanisms of normal but also of pathological brain function.
Our strategy is to use genome-wide genetic screens to identify components affecting synaptic
function to subsequently analyze the function of these genes in detail at live synapses. A prominent
set of genes we identified are either directly involved in Parkinson’s disease or modulate phenotypes
linked to Parkinson related genes. We are now studying these genes in detail at the synapse not only
allowing us to gain insight into the ethiology of the neurological disease but also allowing us to gain
further insight into the mechanisms and concepts of synaptic function.
34
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ERC Starting Grant recipient, 2010
Francqui Docent recipient, 2009
Marie Curie Excellence Grant recipient, 2007
Finalist European Young Investigator award, 2006
1st place Baylor College of Medicine Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
publication/achievement award, 2005
1st place Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society dissertation award, 2004
Runner up 17th Larry Sandler Memorial Lecture, 45th Drosophila Research Conference, 2004
Post-doctoral fellow of the Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF) and Fellow of
the Brussels Hoover Foundation, 2003
1st place Beckmann Coulter Best platform presentation award, 2002
1. Khong T.M., Habets R.L.P., Slabbaert J. and Verstreken P. (2010) Wiscott-Aldrich Syndrome
Protein is activated by PI(4,5)P2 to restrict neuromuscular junction growth in a pathway
parallel to BMP signaling. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 107: 1737917384.
2. Verstreken P., Ohyama T., Haueter C., Habets R.L.P., Lin Y.Q., Swan L.E., Ly C.V., Venken K.J.,
De Camilli P. and Bellen H.J. (2009) Tweek, an evolutionarily conserved protein, is required
for synaptic vesicle recycling. Neuron 63: 203-215.
3. Choi C.M., Vilain S., Van Kelst S., Langen M., De Geest N., Yan J., Verstreken P. and Hassan
B.A. (2009) Conditional mutagenesis in Drosophila. Science 324: 54.
4. Morais V.A., Verstreken P., Röthig A., Smet J., Snellinx A., Haddad D.M., Mandemakers W.,
Van Coster R., Wurst W., Scorrano L. and De Strooper B. (2009) Parkinson’s disease
mutations in PINK1 affect Complex I activity in mitochondria. EMBO Molecular Medicine 1:
99-101.
5. Kasprowicz J., Kuenen S., Habets R., Miskiewicz K., Smitz L. and Verstreken P. (2008)
Inactivation of clathrin heavy chain inhibits synaptic recycling but allows bulk membrane
uptake. Journal of Cell Biology 182: 1007-1016.
6. Romero E., Cha G.H., Verstreken P., Ly C.V., Hughes R.E., Bellen H.J. and Botas J. (2008)
Suppression of neurodegeneration and increased neurotransmission caused by expanded
full-length huntingtin accumulating in the cytoplasm. Neuron 57: 27-40.
7. Verstreken P., Ly C.V., Venken K.J.T., Koh T.W., Zhou Y. and Bellen H.J. (2005) Synaptic
mitochondria are critical for mobilization of the reserve pool vesicles at the Drosophila
neuromuscular junction. Neuron 47: 365-378.
8. Verstreken P., Kjaerulff O., Lloyd T.E., Atkinson R., Zhou Y., Meinertzhagen I.A. and Bellen H.J.
(2002) Endophilin mutations block clathrin-mediated endocytosis but not neurotransmitter
release. Cell 109: 101-112.
35
36
MEMBERS
WIM ANNAERT, PH.D.
Contact address:
Center of Human Genetics
Laboratory of Membrane Trafficking
O&N1, Herestraat 49 – bus 602
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 33 05 20
Fax: +32 16 33 05 22
E-mail: Wim.Annaert@cme.vib-kuleuven.be
1993
1994‐1996
1997‐2002
2000‐present
2001‐present
2002‐present
2007‐present
2008‐present
PhD in Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, Univ. Antwerp
Postdoc Yale University, HHMI, (BAEF/Collen‐fellow/NIH), USA
FWO‐Postdoc Researcher, K.U.Leuven, Center for Human Genetics
ZAP (10%) Independent Researcher, K.U.Leuven, Center for Human Genetics
Group leader, VIB
Professor BOF‐ZAP, K.U.Leuven, Center for Human Genetics
Associate Director of the Department of Molecular and Developmental Genetics, VIB
Full professor, K.U.Leuven
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
Mechanisms of γ‐secretase sorting
Quality control of γ‐secretase assembly
γ‐Secretase independent functions
RESEARCH AREAS
Research of the Annaert lab is focused on the subcellular localization and regulatory sorting
mechanisms of key proteins involved in human neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer’s disease) and
developmental disorders that include neurological abnormalities (congenital disorders of
glycosylation (CDG), monosomy 1p36). Specifically, we are interested in the γ‐secretase complex, a
key enzyme involved in Alzheimer’s disease pathology, as well as proteins that regulate its assembly
or trafficking. By exploring the normal function of proteins that are affected in these diseases, we
aim to understand the early onsets leading to neurodegeneration and mental retardation. We make
use of a broad range of cell biological and biochemical approaches implementing advanced
technologies such as superresolution microscopy (PALM, PIMP) and subcellular ‘omics’ (using
37
superparamagnetic nanoparticles, SPMNPs). Research models comprise mouse embryonic
fibroblasts, primary hippocampal neurons and small animal models (zebrafish and Drosophila).
−
−
−
−
Two‐yearly Award “UPJOHN‐PHARMACIA”, 1997
Five‐yearly “Marie‐Thérèse De Lava”‐award, 2001
Antoine FAES prijs, 2004
Certificate of Honor awarded by SAO‐FRMA, 2009
1. Annaert W.G., Becker B., Kistner U., Reth M. and Jahn R. (1997) Export of cellubrevin from
the endoplasmic reticulum is controlled by BAP31. Journal of Cell Biology 139(6): 1397‐1410.
2. Annaert W.G., Levesque L., Craessaerts K., Dierinck I., Snellings G., Westaway D., St. GeorgeHyslop P., Fraser P. and De Strooper B. (1999) Presenilin 1 controls γ‐secretase processing of
the amyloid precursor protein in pre‐Golgi compartments of hippocampal neurons. Journal
of Cell Biology 147(2): 277‐294.
3. Cupers P., Bentahir M., Craessaerts K., Orlans I., Vanderstichele H., Saftig P., De Strooper B.
and Annaert W. (2001) The discrepancy between presenilin subcellular localization and γ‐
secretase processing of amyloid precursor protein. Journal of Cell Biology 154(4): 731‐740.
4. Annaert W.G., Esselens C., Boeve C., Baert V., Snellings G., Cupers P., Craessaerts K. and De
Strooper B. (2001) Interaction with telencephalin and the amyloid precursor protein predicts
a ring structure for presenilins. Neuron 32: 579‐589.
5. Esselens C., Oorschot V., Baert V., Raemaekers T., Spittaels K., Serneels L., Zheng H., De
Strooper B., Klumperman J. and Annaert W. (2004) Presenilin 1 mediates the turnover of
telencephalin in hippocampal neurons via an autophagic degradative pathway. Journal of Cell
Biology 166(7): 1041‐54.
6. Foulquier F., Vasile E., Schollen E., Callewaert N., Raemaekers T., Quelhas D., Jaeken J., Mills
P., Winchester B., Krieger M., Annaert W., Matthijs G. (2006) COG1 deficiency: a new type of
Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation type II. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
(PNAS) USA 103(10): 3764‐9.
7. Spasic D., Tolia A., Dillen K., Baert V., De Strooper B., Vrijens S. and Annaert W. (2006)
Presenilin 1 maintains a nine transmembrane topology throughout the secretory pathway.
Journal of Biological Chemistry 281: 26569‐77.
8. Urra M.S., Escudero C., Ramos P., Lisbona F., Covarrubias P., Parraguez J., Zampieri N., Chao
M., Annaert W. and Bronfman F. (2007) Membrane bound carboxyterminal fragments of p75
neurotrophin receptor are generated by the activation of trkA and internalized to endosomes
for γ‐secretase mediated processing. Journal of Biological Chemistry 282(10): 7606‐15.
9. Spasic D., Raemaekers T., Dillen K., Declerck I., Baert V., Serneels L., Füllekrug J., Annaert W.
(2007) Rer1p competes with APH
‐1 for binding to Nicastrin and regulates γ‐secretase
complex assembly in the early secretory pathway. Journal of Cell Biology 176(5): 629‐640.
38
10. Reynders E., Foulquier F., Leao Teles E., Quelhas D., Morell W., Rabouille C., Annaert W.G.
and Matthijs G. (2009) Golgi function and dysfunction in the first COG4‐deficient CDG type II
patient. Human Molecular Genetics 18(17): 3244‐56.
39
STEVEN BOONEN, M.D., PH.D.
Contact address:
Leuven University Hospital Division of Geriatric Medicine
UZ Leuven campus Gasthuisberg
Herestraat 49
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 34 26 48 (direct line), +32 16 34 26 40 (medical
office), +32 16 34 48 24 (research office)
E-mail: steven.boonen@uz.kuleuven.be
1987
1987-1992
1992-1993
1993-present
1998-present
2005-present
2008-present
1997-present
2000-present
M.D. degree, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven magna cum laude
Residency in internal medicine in Leuven
Specialization in clinical gerontology and geriatric medicine in London (prof. dr. A.
Young, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, University of London)
Medical staff member of the Leuven University Department of Internal Medicine
Professor of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
Head of the Gerontology and Geriatrics Section of the Leuven University Department
of Experimental Medicine
Head of the Leuven University Hospital Division of Geriatric Medicine
Director of the Leuven University Hospital Center for Metabolic Bone Diseases
Senior Clinical Investigator of the National Fund for Scientific Research
RESEARCH TOPICS
The research program ‘age-related bone fragility and fracture risk’ of the Gerontology and Geriatrics
Section of the Leuven University Department of Experimental Medicine is best known for its central
role in a significant number of pivotal intervention studies in the field of age-associated osteoporosis.
Particular strengths of the program’s profile include: the innovative character of its research and its
major clinical consequences; the implementation of a truly translational approach, bringing research
advances to the area of medical practice; and the exceptionally broad spectrum of its research focus,
resulting in an extensive output, which now includes well over 250 PubMed-referenced papers.
RESEARCH AREAS
Dr. Boonen’s translational and clinical research activities focus on determinants of age-related frailty,
falls, and fracture risk and on strategies to prevent fracture and fracture-related complications.
Specific areas of expertise include osteoporosis in old age and innovative trial design. In recent years,
he has been intimately involved in the design and coordination of a number of multicenter clinical
trials of various pharmacological agents for the promotion of musculoskeletal integrity in patients
with osteoporosis, and has acted as a principal investigator in major multinational trials of new
therapeutic agents for osteoporosis. More recently, he has been involved in studies addressing
determinants and consequences of cognitive impairment in ageing men.
40
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
Gerontological Research Award from the Sandoz Foundation for Gerontological Research,
1996
Research Award from the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research en the
International Bone and Mineral Society, 1998
Investigator Award from the International Osteoporosis Foundation, 2002
Research Award from the American Society for Bone and Mineral, 2004
Research Award from the European Society on Clinical and Economic Aspects of
Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis, 2007
Clinical Science Research Award from the European League Against Rheumatism, 2008
Research Award from the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, 2009
1. Lee D.M., Tajar A., Ulubaev A., Pendleton N., O’Neill T.W., O’Connor D.B., Bartfai G., Boonen
S., Bouillon R., Casanueva F.F., Finn J.D., Forti G., Giwercman A., Han T.S., Huhtaniemi I.T.,
Kula K., Lean M., Punab M., Silman A.J., Vanderschueren D. and Wu F. (in press) Association
between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and cognitive performance in middle-aged and older
European men. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.
2. Tournoy J., Lee D.M., Pendleton N., O’Neill T.W., O’connor D.B., Bartfai G., Casanueva F.F.,
Finn J.D., Forti G., Giwercman A., Han T.S., Huhtaniemi I.T., Kula K., Lean M.E., Moseley C.M.,
Punab M., Silman A.J., Vanderschueren D., Wu F.C. and Boonen S. (2010) Association of
cognitive performance with the metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and older European
men: the European male ageing study. Diabetes and Metabolism Research and Review 26:
668-676.
3. Haentjens P., Magaziner J., Colón-Emeric C., Vanderschueren D., Milisen K., Velkeniers B. and
Boonen S. (2010) Excess mortality after hip fracture among older women and men. Annals of
Internal Medicine 152: 380-390.
4. Lee D.M., Tajar A., Ulubaev A., Pendleton N., O'Neill T.W., O'connor D.B., Bartfai G., Boonen
S., Casanueva F.F., Finn J.D., Forti G., Giwercman A., Han T.S., Huhtaniemi I.T., Kula K., Lean
M.E., Punab M., Silman A.J., Vanderschueren D. and Wu F.C. (2009) The association between
different cognitive domains and age in a multi-centre study of middle-aged and older
European men. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 24: 1257-1266.
5. Wardlaw D., Cummings S.R., Van Meirhaeghe J., Bastian L., Tillman J.B., Ranstam J., Eastell R.,
Shabe P., Talmadge K. and Boonen S. (2009) Efficacy and safety of balloon kyphoplasty
compared with non-surgical care for vertebral compression fracture: A randomised
controlled trial. Lancet 21: 1016-1024.
6. Lyles K., Colon-Emeric C., Magaziner J., Adachi J., Pieper C., Mautalen C., Hyldstrup L.,
Recknor C., Nordsletten L., Moore K., Lavecchia C., Zhang J., Mesenbrink P., Hodgson P.,
Abrams K., Orloff J., Horowitz Z., Eriksen E. and Boonen S. (2007) Zoledronic acid and clinical
fractures and mortality after hip fracture. New England Journal of Medicine 357: 1799-1809.
41
JAN DE LEPELEIRE, M.D., PH.D.
Contact address:
Academic Centre for General Practice
Kapucijenvoer 33 blok J PB 7001
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 33 74 68
Fax: +32 3 454 32 00
E-mail: jan.delepeleire@med.kuleuven.be
Website: www.qualidem.be
1982
2000
Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree at K.U.Leuven
Ph.D. degree at K.U.Leuven
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
−
Dementia
Organization of health care
Palliative care
Psychiatric Care
RESEARCH AREAS
Dementia
- In our research we are focusing on the diagnosis of important diseases like dementia and psychosis.
The process of early diagnosis in general practice being a low prevalence environment requires
special techniques.
- The need of care for dementia patients is another issue. We performed the Qualidem and Interface
study.
- A third topic is the care for carers of dementia and quality of life of dementia patients and their
carers.
Psychiatric Care
How to recognize early psychosis in primary care and the evaluation of new strategies for the
cooperation of care between primary and secondary care of early psychotic patients is a new topic of
our research. Also the epidemiology of psychosis is a new cornerstone.
42
1. Schoenmakers B., Buntinx F. and De Lepeleire J. (2010) Supporting family carers of
community-dwelling elder with cognitive decline: A randomized controlled trial. International
Journal of Family Medicine doi:10.1155/2010/184152.
2. De Lepeleire J., Beyen A., Burin M., Fabri R., Ghijsebrechts G., Lisaerde J., Temmerman B.,
Van Den Eynden B. and Van Den Noortgate N. (2010) Reflexions critiques à propos de
l'euthanasie de personnes atteintes de démence. RMLG. Revue médicale de Liège 65: 453-8.
3. Schoenmakers B., Buntinx F. and De Lepeleire J. (2010) Supporting the dementia family
caregiver: the effect of home care intervention on general well-being. Aging & Mental Health
14(1): 44-56.
4. Spinewine A., Foulon V., Claeys C., De Lepeleire J., Chevalier P., Desplenter F., De Winter S.,
Dumont C., Lacour V., Simoens S., Dubois C. and Paulus D. (2010) Continuïteit van de
medicamenteuze behandeling tussen ziekenhuis en thuis. Health Services Research (HSR).
Brussel: Federaal Kenniscentrum voor de Gezondheidszorg (KCE) Report no KCE Rapporten
131 A.
5. De Lepeleire J., Iliffe S., Mann E. and Degryse J.M. (2009) Frailty: an emerging concept for
general practice. The Britisch Journal of General Practice 59(562): e177-e182.
6. Schoenmakers B., Buntinx F. and Delepeleire J. (2009) What is the role of the general
practitioner towards the family caregiver of a community-dwelling demented relative? A
systematic literature review. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care 27(1): 31-40.
7. De Lepeleire J., Wind A.W., Iliffe S., Moniz-Cook E.D., Wilcock J., Gonzalez V.M., Derksen E.,
Gianelli M.V. and Vernooij-Dassen M. (2008) The primary care diagnosis of dementia in
Europe: an analysis using multidisciplinary, multinational expert groups. Aging & Mental
Health 12(5): 568-76.
8. De Lepeleire J., Beyen A., Burin M., Ceulemans L., Fabri R., Ghijsebrechts G., Lisaerde J.,
Temmerman B., Van den Eynden B. and Van de Noortgate N. (2008) Euthanasie bij personen
met dementie. Reflecties van artsen. Ethische Perspectieven 18(2): 175-81.
9. Vernooij-Dassen M., Moniz-Cook E., Woods B., De Lepeleire J., Leuchner A., Zanetti O., de
Rotrou J., Kenny G., Franco M., Peters V. and Iliffe S. (2005) Factors affecting timely
recognition and diagnosis of dementia across Europe: From awareness to stigma.
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 20(4): 377-86.
10. De Lepeleire J., Heyrman J., Baro F. and Buntinx F. (2005) A combination of tests for the
diagnosis of dementia has a significant diagnostic value. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
58(3): 217-25.
11. Iliffe S., De Lepeleire J., Van Hout H., Kenny G., Lewis A. and Vernooij-Dassen M. (2005)
Understanding obstacles to the recognition of and response to dementia in different
European countries: a modified focus group approach using multinational, multi-disciplinary
expert groups. Aging & Mental Health 9: 1-6.
12. De Lepeleire J., Iliffe S., Vernooij-Dassen M., Moniz-Cook E. and Aertgeerts B. (2004)
Diagnosing dementia in primary Care. Age Ageing 33: 321.
13. De Lepeleire J., Falez F., Ylieff M., Fontaine O., Paquay L. and Buntinx F. (2004) The evolution
of the organization of homecare in Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. Archives of Public Health
62: 197-208.
43
14. De Lepeleire J., Ylieff M., Stessens J., Buntinx F. and Paquay L. (2004) The validity of the frail
instrument in general practice. Archives of Public Health 62: 185-96.
15. De Lepeleire J. and Heyrman J. (1999) Diagnosis and management of dementia in primary
care at an early stage: the need for a new concept and an adapted procedure. Theoretical
Medicine 20: 215-28.
16. De Lepeleire J., Baro F., Buntinx F. and Lasuy C. (1994) How do general practitioners diagnose
dementia? Family Practice 11(2): 148-52.
44
BERT DE SMEDT, PH.D.
Contact address:
Parenting and Special Education Research Group
Andreas Vesaliusstraat 2
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: + 32 16 32 57 05
Fax: + 32 16 32 59 33
E-mail: Bert.DeSmedt@ped.kuleuven.be
Website: https://perswww.kuleuven.be/~u0040938/
1997
2001
2002
2002-2006
2006
2007
2007-2010
2008-2010
2010-2015
Bachelor in Educational Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
Master in Educational Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
Certificate Completion in Educational Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven,
Belgium
Research Assistant, Research Foundation Flanders
PhD in Educational Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
Post-doc Department Educational Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
Post-doc Research Foundation Flanders
Visiting Scientist, University of Western Ontario, Canada
Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
−
Dyscalculia
Individual differences in arithmetic skills
Neuroscience and education
Cognitive phenotypes of genetic disorders
RESEARCH AREAS
The major aim of my research program is to understand the neurocognitive origins of difficulties in
mathematical skills. I use both behavioral and brain imaging methods to understand how people
develop arithmetical skills and what neurocognitive mechanisms underlie this development. I
investigate these issues in both typically developing children and adults as well as in disorders with
atypical mathematical development, including dyscalculia, dyslexia, 22q11 Deletion Syndrome,
Turner Syndrome, traumatic brain injury and mild mental retardation. The aim is to integrate
cognitive neuroscience into educational research, contributing to the new field of educational
neuroscience or Mind, Brain and Education.
45
−
Burgen Scholar, Academia Europeae, 2010
1. De Smedt B., Holloway I.D. and Ansari D. (in press). Effects of problem size and arithmetic
operation on brain activation in children with varying levels of arithmetical fluency.
NeuroImage.
2. De Smedt B. and Boets B. (2010) Phonological processing and arithmetic fact retrieval:
Evidence from developmental dyslexia. Neuropsychologia 48(14): 3973-3981.
3. De Smedt B., Reynvoet B., Swillen A., Verschaffel L., Boets B. and Ghesquière P. (2009) Basic
number processing and difficulties in single-digit arithmetic: Evidence from Velo-CardioFacial Syndrome. Cortex 45(2): 177-188.
46
ANJA DECLERCQ, PH.D.
Contact address:
LUCAS, Center for Care Research and Consultancy
Kapucijnenvoer 39
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 33 69 10
Fax: +32 16 33 69 22
E-mail: anja.declercq@med.kuleuven.be
Website: www.kuleuven.be/lucas, www.steunpuntwvg.be
1989-1991
1991-1994
2000
2005
2003-2005
2003
2007-2011
Master in Applied Economics, Faculty of Economy and Applied Economics,
K.U.Leuven
Master in Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, K.U.Leuven
Ph.D. thesis at Faculty of Social Sciences, K.U.Leuven
Associate professor Faculty of Social Sciences, K.U.Leuven
Guest professor Faculty of Political and Social Sciences, U. Gent
Project leader at LUCAS, K.U.Leuven
Promotor of the policy research center for health, social wellfare and family a
research network between the Catholic University of Leuven, the University of Gent,
the Free university of Brussels and Katholieke Hogeschool Kempen.
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
−
−
−
Organization of elderly care
Quality of life and quality of care for elderly people
Care for people with dementia
Innovations in care
The interRAI-instruments
Small-scale living arrangements for people with dementia
RESEARCH AREAS
LUCAS' research is mainly applied, practically-oriented, and policy-supporting research. It deals with
various target groups: mentally ill people, (demented) elderly people, disabled people, young people,
etc. Furthermore, LUCAS treats a diversity of research topics such as professional and informal care,
quality of care, prevention of suicide, discrepancies between needed and provided care, relations
between caretakers and care-receivers, expressed emotion, community support systems, vocational
rehabilitation, stepped-care programs, case management, mobbing, discrimination, etc. Despite the
diversity there is a specialization in a few lines of research. Anja Declercq’s main research topics are
47
in the field of the organization of care for elderly people, quality of life and quality of care for the
elderly, innovations in elderly care, comprehensive geriatric assessments, and specialized care for
people with dementia.
1. De Rooij A., Luijkx K., Declercq A. and Schols J. (2010) Small-scale living facilities in the
Netherlands and Belgium. A longitudinal study on patient outcome (abstract). Journal of
Clinical Nursing 19(1): 139-140.
2. De Rooij A., Luijkx K., Declercq A. and Schols, J. (2010) The impact of small-scale living in the
Netherlands and Belgium: Triangulation of data analysis. The Gerontologist 50(S1): 506.
3. Vanden Boer L., Bronselaer J., Declercq A., Demaerschalck M. and Molenberghs G. (2010) Het
belang van omgevingsfactoren voor beleidsgericht ouderenonderzoek. Tijdschrift voor
Welzijnswerk 34: 5-11.
4. Morris J., Berg K., Björkgren M., Declercq A. and others (2010) Assessment Form and User's
Manuel - InterRAI Assessment System - InterRAI Community Health (CHA). USA: interRAI.
5. Declercq A., Spruytte N. and De Almeida Mello J. (2009) Ervaringen van zorgverleners.
Werken in kleinschalige woonvoorzieningen in Vlaanderen. Denkbeeld: Tijdschrift voor
Psychogeriatrie 21: 14-17.
6. Declercq A. (2010) BelRAI. Stand van zaken in 2010. Nota in opdracht van het Ministerie van
Volksgezondheid, Veiligheid van de Voedselketen en Leefmilieu. Brussel, België.
7. Declercq A., Gosset C., Milisen K., Moons K., Flamaing J., Vesentini L., Vanneste D., Roovers
S., Grevendonck L., Van Eenoo L., De Almeida Mello J. and others (2010) BelRAI 2010 Tussentijds rapport. Rapport in opdracht van het Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Veiligheid
van de Voedselketen en Leefmilieu. Brussel, België.
8. Declercq A., Gosset C., De Almeida Mello J., Detroyer E., Spruytte N., Vanneste D., Vesentini
L., Grevendonck L., Roovers S., Paepen B., Berden J., Collard J., Grauwels N., Londot A.,
Lepère C., Gillain N. and Van Audenhove C. (2010) BelRAI IV: "Actie-onderzoek ter
voorbereiding van de implementatie van de RAI-methode in Belgie" Eindrapport in opdracht
van het Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Veiligheid van de Voedselketen en Leefmilieu.
Brussel, België.
9. Declercq A. (2009) Small-scale nursing homes in Belgium. Symposium abstract of the IAGG
World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging 13
(Suppl.1): 50.
10. Spruytte N., Declercq A., Herbots B., Holvoet M., Elst R., Van der Flaas J., Molenberghs C.,
Kuylen L., Lecoutere J., Van den Heuvel B. and Van Audenhove C. (2009) Kleinschalig
genormaliseerd wonen voor mensen met dementie, Het antwoord op 101 vragen.
Antwerpen: Garant.
11. Van Audenhove C., Spruytte N., Detroyer E., De Coster I., Declercq A., Ylieff M., Squelard G.
and Misotten P. (2009) De zorg voor personen met dementie: perspectieven en uitdagingen.
Brussel, Koning Boudewijnstichting.
48
12. Van Audenhove C., Spruytte N., Detroyer E., De Coster I., Declercq A., Ylieff M., Squelard G.
and Misotten P. (2009) Les soins aux personnes atteintes de la maladie d’Alzheimer ou d’une
maladie apparentée: perspectives et enjeux. Brussel, Koning Boudewijnstichting.
13. Declercq A. (2009) Kleinschalig genormaliseerd wonen in Vlaanderen. In: Grote kwaliteit op
kleine schaal (pp. 61-68). Tilburg, Nederland: De Kievitshorst.
14. Declercq A., Demaerschalk M., Vanden Boer L., Bronselaer J., De Witte N., Verté D. and
Molenberghs G. (2009) De invloed van individuele en gemeentelijke kenmerken op het
formele en informele zorggebruik van Vlaamse ouderen. In: Focus Gezondheid Sociale Staat
van Vlaanderen (pp. 381-399).
15. Declercq A., Gosset C., Paepen B., De Almeida Mello J., Vanneste D., Detroyer E., Spruytte N.,
De Vliegher K., Berden J., Degey S., Philippet C., Tancredi A., Lepère C., Renard F., Gillain N.
and Van Audenhove C. (2009) Actieproject BelRAI III: Haalbaarheid van de RAI-methode in
België. Eindrapport in opdracht van het Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Veiligheid van de
Voedselketen en Leefmilieu. Brussel, België.
16. Declercq A., Gosset C., Paepen B., Mello J., Vanneste D., Detroyer E., Milisen K., Moons P.,
Berden J., Collard J., Londot A., Schumacher I., Demul N., Piette N., Joiris T., Gillain N. and Van
Audenhove C. (2008) Actieproject BelRAI II: Haalbaarheid van de Rai-Methode in België.
Eindrapport in opdracht van het Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Veiligheid van de
Voedselketen en Leefmilieu (Brussel, België).
17. De Rooij A., Luijkx K., Declercq A. and Schols J. (2008) The pro's and con's of small-scale living
in The Netherlands. The Gerontologist GSA-congress (abstract 336): 106.
18. Declercq A., Gosset C., Wellens N., Collard J., Filee D., Londot A., Polome L., Sprenghetti N.,
Moons P., Milisen K. and Van Audenhove C. (2007) Actie-onderzoek naar het gebruik van het
RAI-instrument in de geriatrische dagziekenhuizen, de rust- en verzorgingstehuizen, de
dagcentra en de geïntegreerde diensten voor de thuiszorg. Eindrapport. Brussel, België.
19. Van Audenhove C. and Declercq A. (2007) De mantelzorg. Over zorglast, veerkracht en het
belang van een goede relatie. Welzijnsgids, Afl. 65.
20. Wellens N. and Declercq A. (2006) De ontwikkeling van een vormingsprogramma over de
zorg voor allochtone ouderen in rusthuizen en rust- en verzorgingstehuizen. Leuven: Lucas.
21. Van Humbeeck G., Van Audenhove C. and Declercq A. (2004) Mental health, burnout and job
satisfaction among professionals in sheltered living in Flanders. A pilot study. Social
psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology 39(7): 569-75.
22. Van Audenhove C., Declercq A., De Coster I., Spruytte N., Molenberghs C. and Van den
Heuvel B. (2003) Kleinschalig genormaliseerd wonen voor personen met dementie.
Antwerpen: Garant.
23. Declercq A. and Van Audenhove C. (2003) Small is beautiful in Belgium. Occupational Therapy
News (10): 26.
49
CARLOS DOTTI, M.D., PH.D
Contact address:
Laboratory of Neuronal Differentiation
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 33 05 23
E-mail: Carlos.Dotti@cme.vib-kuleuven.be
1979
1985
1985-1988
1988-1990
1990-1991
1991-2000
2000-2005
2005-present
M.D. National University of Cordoba, Argentina.
Ph.D. National Council Research. Argentina
Post-doc. Albany Medical College., New York, USA.
Post-doc. European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg. Germany.
Staff Scientist. European Molecular Biology Laboratory. Heidelberg. Germany
Group Leader. European Molecular Biology Laboratory. Heidelberg. Germany
Coordinator. Institute of Neuroscience. University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Full Professor. Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
Establishment of Neuronal Polarity
Survival and Performance in the Aged Brain
RESEARCH AREAS
Establishment of neuronal polarity: A central process in the development of functional brain circuitry
is the generation of axons and dendrites, which starts immediately after the last mitosis. Their
maturation however, occurs during neuronal migration. It is our aim to dissect these aspects of
neuronal polarity: generation and stabilization. To reach our goals we take a dual approach:
genetics/live cell analysis in Drosophila melanogaster and biochemistry/cell biology/in vivo in
mammalian systems. Drosophila are used to test the effect and pathways of genes with known or
unknown roles in cell polarity, in other cell types and in other systems (yeast). Through this approach
we investigate pathways involved in initial polarization (first neurite), axon-dendrite differentiation,
axon navigation. My laboratory has established a Drosophila unit, suited for these types of
experiments. In mammalian neurons, we validate the relevance of the fly identified genes and
pathways, at the biochemical and cell biological level. Studies are performed first in rodent neurons
in primary culture conditions and in a second step in neurons in situ. In addition to the generation of
basic knowledge, this type of work should be of help to bring insights on the pathogeny of
neurologic/neurodegenerative syndromes (see below).
Survival and Performance in the aged brain: relevance to neuropathology of the aged. Except
for a few peculiar cases, neurons of the central nervous system undergo their last mitosis around
50
birth-time. This simple biological phenomenon renders the brain an organ most incompetent to
replace neurons that get damaged from normal oxidative metabolism. In fact, except for certain
types of neurodegenerative diseases, the senescent brain does not present a significant level of dead
neurons. This per se is a clear demonstration that neurons possess most robust mechanisms of
survival against natural cellular stress. On the other hand, it is obvious to the eyes of anyone that age
comes accompanied by functional loss. Given the above premises, my laboratory attempts to
elucidate the mechanisms of neuronal survival and performance in the aged brain to later allow us to
determine the pathways compromised in neurodegeneration. To address these issues my laboratory
takes, like for the polarity project, a dual, Drosophila genetics and mammalian cell biology, approach.
−
−
−
NIH Fogarty International Fellow, 1985
Alexander von Humboldt Fellow, 1988
EMBO Member, 2000
1. Sodero A.O., Weissmann C., Ledesma M.D. and Dotti C.G. (2010) Metabolic stress from
excitatory neurotransmission contributes to cholesterol loss in hippocampal neurons in vitro.
Neurobiology of Aging. In press.
2. Martin M.G., Trovo L., Perga S., Sadowska A., Rasola A., Chiara F. and Dotti C.G. (2009)
Cyp46-mediated cholesterol loss promotes survival in stressed hippocampal neurons.
Neurobiology of Aging. In press
3. Iannilli F., Sodero A.O., Ledesma M.D. and Dotti C.G. (2009) Oxidative stress activates the
pro-survival TrkA pathway through membrane cholesterol loss. Neurobiology of Aging. In
press
4. Calderon de Anda F., Gärtner A., Tsai L-H. and Dotti C.G. (2008) Pyramidal neuron polarity
axis is defined at the bipolar stage. Journal of Cell Science 121: 178-185.
5. Martin M., Perga S., Trovo L., Rasola A., Holm P., Rantamäki T., Harkany T., Castrén E., Chiara
F. and Dotti C.G. (2008) Cholesterol loss enhances TrkB signaling in hippocampal neurons
aging in vitro. Molecular Biology of the Cell 19(5): 2101-2112.
6. Schubert V., Santos Da Silva J.P. and Dotti C.G. (2006) Localized recruitment and activation of
RhoA underlies dendritic spine morphology in a glutamate receptor dependent manner.
Journal of Cell Biology 172: 453-468.
7. Santos da Silva J., Hasegawa T., Miyagi T., Dotti C.G and Abad-Rodríguez J. (2005) Asymmetric
membrane ganglioside sialidase activity specifies axonal fate. Nature Neuroscience 8: 606615.
8. Calderon de Anda F., Pollarolo G., Da Silva J.S., Feiguin F. and Dotti C.G. (2005) Centrosome
localization determines neuronal polarity. Nature 436: 704-8.
9. Abad-Rodríguez J., Ledesma M.D., Crassaerts K., Perga S., Medina M., Delacourte A.,
Dingwall C., De Strooper B. and Dotti C.G. (2004) Neuronal membrane cholesterol loss
enhances amyloid peptide generation. Journal of Cell Biology 167(5): 953-960.
51
10. Camera P., Santos da Silva J., Griffiths G., Giuffrida M.G., Ferrara L., Schubert V., Imarisio S.,
Silengo L., Dotti C.G. and di Cunto F. (2003) Citron-N is a neuronal Rho-associated protein
involved in Golgi organization through actin cytoskeleton regulation. Nature Cell Biology
5(12): 1071-1079.
11. Ledesma M.D., Abad-Rodríguez J., Galvan C., Biondi E., Navarro P., Delacourte A., Dingwall C.
and Dotti C.G. (2003) Raft disorganization leads to reduced plasmin activity in Alzheimer’s
disease brains. EMBO Reports 4(12): 1190-1196.
12. Santos da Silva J., Medina M., Zuliani C., Di Nardo A., Witke W. and Dotti C.G. (2003)
RhoA/ROCK regulation of neuritogenesis via Profilin IIa-mediated control of actin stability.
Journal of Cell Biology 162: 1267-1279.
13. Santos da Silva J. and Dotti C.G. (2002) Breaking the Neuronal Sphere: Regulation of the actin
cytoskeleton in neuritogenesis. Nature Neuroscience 3: 694-704.
14. Abad-Rodríguez J., Piddini E., Hasegawa T., Miyagi T. and Dotti C.G. (2001) Plasma membrane
ganglioside sialidase regulates axonal growth and regeneration in hippocampal neurons in
culture. Journal of Neurosciences 21(21): 8387-8395.
15. Piddini E., Schmidt J., de Martin R. and Dotti C.G. (2001) The Ras-like GTPase GEM is involved
in cell shape generation and interacts with the novel kinesin-like protein KIF-9. EMBO Journal
20(15): 4076-4087.
16. Kaether C., Skehel P. and Dotti C.G. (2000) Axonal membrane proteins are transported in
distinct carriers: a 2-colour video microscopy study in cultured hippocampal neurons.
Molecular Biology of the Cell 11: 1213-1224.
17. Ruberti F. and Dotti C.G. (2000) Involvement of the proximal C terminus of the AMPA
receptor subunit GlluR1 in dendritic sorting. Journal of Neurosciences 20: RC78 1-5.
18. Bradke F. and Dotti C.G. (2000) Differentiated neurons retain the capacity to generate axons
from dendrites. Current Biology 10: 1467-1470.
19. Ledesma M.D., Santos da Silva J., Crassaerts K., Delacourte A., De Strooper B. and Dotti C.G.
(2000) Brain plasmin enhances APP a-cleavage and Aβ degradation and is reduced in
Alzheimer’s disease brains. EMBO Reports 1(6): 530-535.
52
BÉNÉDICTE DUBOIS, M.D., PH.D.
Contact address:
University Hospital Gasthuisberg-Department of Neurology
Herestraat 49
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 34 42 88
Fax: +32 16 34 42 85
E-mail: Benedicte.Dubois@uzleuven.be
Website: www.neurology-kuleuven.be
1994
2000
2001
MD, University of Leuven, Belgium
PhD, University of Leuven, Belgium
Neurologist, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
Immunology and genetics of multiple sclerosis
Clinical aspects of multiple sclerosis
Clinical trials with new drugs in multiple sclerosis
RESEARCH AREAS
Neurological diseases have a substantial and growing impact in our society. Multiple Sclerosis is one
of the most common neurological disorders. Life-time risk of developing the disease is 1/500 in
north-western Europe. Approximately 1.3 million individuals worldwide and 10,000 individuals in
Belgium suffer from the disease. Onset of the disease typically occurs in early adulthood, between 20
and 40 years of age, at the start of building out a family and a professional career. The disease leads
to significant physical and cognitive disability and hence has an important impact on the personal,
social and professional life of patients and their relatives. The pathogenesis of the disease has not
been unravelled yet. Treatment of multiple sclerosis is very expensive, being in the top 10 of
outpatient medicines cost in Belgium. Nevertheless, the mechanism of action of current treatments
is only partially understood and they are only partially effective.
The structure of the Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, with expertise both at the clinical
(Bénédicte Dubois) and the research side (An Goris), offers an optimal setting for translating
observations at the bedside to the laboratory, investigating them in the best possible way making use
of a valuable well-characterized study population, and translating results back to the clinic.
We focus on the identification of genetic risk factors for MS and the understanding of their
mechanism of action. This will contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the
disease and the identification of key players, translating in the development of novel and welltargeted treatment strategies.
53
As is obvious at the bedside, multiple sclerosis is also characterized by a striking degree of
heterogeneity at several levels (laboratory and imaging parameters, clinical course, response to or
side effects upon treatment). This heterogeneity is still largely unexplained and unpredictable and
can prevent e.g. a patient from getting the best treatment strategy for him/her as early as possible. If
heterogeneity is based on underlying differences in pathogenetic pathways, comprehension of
aspects of heterogeneity and their mechanisms of action would contribute to e.g. tailored choice of
treatment for subsets of patients.
−
−
−
Wetenschappelijke Prijs Neurologie van de Vereniging van Vlaamse Zenuwartsen-Eli Lilly,
1999
Glaxo-Smith-Kline Study Grant in Neurology, 2001
European Charcot Foundation TEVA-AVENTIS Young Investigators Awards, 2002
1. Goris A., Boonen S., D'hooghe M.B. and Dubois B. (2010) Replication of KIF21B as a
susceptibility locus for multiple sclerosis. Journal of Medical Genetics 47(11): 775-6.
2. Kappos L., Radue E.W., O'Connor P., Polman C., Hohlfeld R., Calabresi P., Selmaj K.,
Agoropoulou C., Leyk M., Zhang-Auberson L. and Burtin P. (2010) A placebo-controlled trial
of oral fingolimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis. The New England Journal of Medicine
362(5): 387-401.
3. Goris A., Dobosi R., Boonen S., Nagels G. and Dubois B. (2009) KIR2DL4 (CD158d)
polymorphisms and susceptibility to multiple sclerosis. Journal of Neuroimmunology 210(12): 113-5.
54
WOLFGANG EBERLE, PH.D.
Contact address:
Imec
Bioelectronic Systems
Manager Bioelectronic Systems
Program Manager Cell Interfacing Technology
Kapeldreef 75
B-3001 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 28 81 37
Fax: +32 16 28 15 15
E-mail: wolfgang.eberle@imec.be
Website: http://www.imec.be, http://www.humanplusplus.com
2006
1991
Ph.D. Electrical Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
Dipl.-Ing. (MSc) Electrical Engineering, Universität des Saarlandes, Germany
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
−
−
−
Massively parallel single-cell resolution electrophysiological arrays for stimulation, recording,
electroporation, transfection of cells in cell cultures and slices
multi-site neural probes for cortical and deep brain stimulation and recording and fully
implantable microsystems with wireless interfacing, e.g. for small rodents
grid arrays with on-grid recording and stimulation sites for tissue slices and tissue
engineering
surface coatings and topologies for influencing cell adhesion, guidance, and growth with
applications for neural network formation and neural regeneration
development and characterization of hybrid transducers for bi-directional cell interfacing
based on electrical (e.g. carbon nanostructures), biochemical), or optical methods (e.g. gan
leds)
investigation of biocompatibility of surface materials under in vitro and in vivo conditions
RESEARCH AREAS
The research group develops novel transducers, devices, and instruments for pharmaceutical,
diagnostic, and therapeutic medical applications and for fundamental research into cell interfacing
with a primary focus on the brain and secondary target areas on cardiac cells and cancer cells.
We use as much as possible cost-efficient wafer-scale processing to obtain reproducible,
reliable chips with sub-micrometer structures and the ability to directly embed electronics for readout or actuation into the transducers. We employ surface coating and topology modifications (e.g.
micronails or microsyringes) directly on the chip to improve cell adhesion and signal quality.
55
The group has been developing devices for in vitro electrophysiology on cell lines and
primary neuronal cultures, acute and cultured slices with single-cell addressability and the capability
of stimulation, recording, electroporation, and transfection of cells. Furthermore, MRI-compatible
implantable brain probes have been fabricated for cortical and deep brain recording and stimulation
in small rodents. The group is currently working on a fully implantable microsystem for chronic use in
small rodents.
Imec employs a wide range of materials for these devices for biocompatible passivation, but
also for the active sensor and electrode sites, including various types of carbon materials,
nanoparticles, and light-emitting or light-sensitive materials. We work on transducer modules
allowing electrical, biochemical, or optical interaction with cells including optogenetics.
1. Braeken D., Huys R., Loo J., Bartic C., Borghs G., Callewaert G. and Eberle W. (2010) Localized
electrical stimulation of in vitro neurons using an array of sub-cellular sized electrodes.
Biosensors and Bioelectronics 26: 1474-1477.
2. Nguyen T., Braeken D., Musa S., Krylychkina O., Bartic C., Gielen G. and Eberle W. (2010)
Towards a closed-loop system for stimulation and recording: An in vitro approach with
embyronic cardiomyocytes. Proc. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Conference
(EMBC), pp. 2735-2738.
3. Musa S., Welkenhuysen M., Prodanov D., Eberle W., Bartic C. and Nuttin B. (2009) In vitro
and in vivo electrochemical characterization of a microfabricated neural probe. Proc. IEEE
Engineering in Medicine and Biology Conference (EMBC), pp. 7143-7146.
4. Huys R., Braeken D., Van Meerbergen B., Winters K., Eberle W., Loo J., Tsvetanova D., Chen
C., Severi S., Yitzchaik S., Spira M., Shappir J., Callewaert G., Borghs G. and Bartic C. (2008)
Novel concepts for improved communication between nerve cells and silicon electronic
devices. Solid-State Electronics (52)4: 533-539.
5. Eberle W. (2008) Wireless transceiver systems design. Springer, New York.
56
YVES ENGELBORGHS, PH.D.
Contact address:
Biomolecular Dynamics
Celestijnenlaan 200G box 2403
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 32 71 60
Fax: +32 16 32 79 74
E-mail: Yves.Engelborghs@fys.Kuleuven.be
Website:
http://www.chem.kuleuven.be/research/bio/webye_en.html
1968
1968-1991
1972
1973-1974
1985
1989-1991
1991
1993-present
Master degree in Chemistry, University of Leuven, Belgium.
Research fellow of the Belgian National Fund for scientific research (NFWO)
Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Leuven, Belgium.
Post-doctoral fellowship at University of Bristol (England).
Associate Professor University Leuven.
Research Director (NFWO)
Full Associate Professor, University of Leuven
Full Professor at the University of Leuven in the department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry.
1993-present Head of the Biochemistry division in the department of Chemistry
RESEARCH AREA
The research activities of Y. Engelborghs are concentrated around the study of dynamics and
interactions of biological macromolecules in vitro and in the living cell, mainly using fluorescence
techniques, and in recent years focusing on Advance Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques, making
biochemistry visible in the living cell (Fluorescence (Cross) Correlation Microscopy). Applications to
protein-protein interactions of HIV-proteins, nuclear proteins, aggregating proteins e.g. alphasynuclein.
1. Nath S., Meuvis J., Hendrix J., Carl S.A. and Engelborghs Y. (2010) Early aggregation steps in
alpha-Synuclein as measured by FCS and FRET: Evidence for a contagious conformational
change. Biophysical Journal 98(7): 1302-1311.
2. Meuvis J., Gerard M., Desender L., Baekelandt V. and Engelborghs Y. (2010) The
conformation and the aggregation kinetics of alpha-Synuclein depend on the proline residues
in Its C-Terminal region. Biochemistry 49(43): 9345-9352.
57
3. Brandt I., Gerard M., Sergeant K., Devreese B., Baekelandt V., Augustyns K., Scharpe S.,
Engelborghs Y. and Lambeir A.M. (2008) Prolyl oligopeptidase stimulates the aggregation of
alpha-synuclein. Peptides 29(9): 1472-1478.
58
AN GORIS, PH.D.
Contact address:
Laboratory for Neuroimmunology
Section of Experimental Neurology
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 33 07 72
Fax: +32 16 33 07 70
E-mail: an.goris@med.kuleuven.be
Website: http://www.kuleuven.be/cv/u0031949.htm#
1996
1999
2004
Bachelor Pharmaceutical Sciences, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Master Pharmaceutical Sciences, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
PhD Biomedical Sciences, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
neuroinflammatory disorders
neurodegenerative disorders
genetics
RESEARCH AREAS
During my PhD at the K.U.Leuven (Belgium), postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge,
(UK), and current position as Tenure Track Lecturer at the Section of Experimental Neurology, I have
been involved in genetic studies on neurological diseases (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease,
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and stroke). These include Mendelian genetics (e.g. FUS and TDP-43 in
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, LRRK2 and SNCA in Parkinson’s disease) and complex genetics
investigating association of genetic markers with these diseases (e.g. IL7R, IL2RA, CD58, CLEC16A,
TYK2, and KIF21B in multiple sclerosis). For the investigation of multiple sclerosis genetics, I
collaborate with other research groups within the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics
Consortium (IMSGC) and Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium (WTCCC).
Within the Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, my main research focus is on multiple sclerosis,
a disease characterized by inflammation, demyelination and axonal loss. We start from genetic risk
factors to elucidate the pathogenesis of the disease. For a long time, the Human Leukocyte Antigen
(HLA) region on chromosome 6 was the only established risk locus, but over the last three years the
number of identified and replicated risk genes has strongly increased. As currently identified genes
explain only a fraction of the heritability, our first aim is to identify other risk factors (other common
variants, rare variants, copy number variants). Secondly, we focus not only on genetic susceptibility
59
for multiple sclerosis, but also on genetic factors underlying the marked heterogeneity of the disease
through close collaboration with the clinic, making use where possible of quantitative disease
parameters. Thirdly, we follow up the mechanism of action of established risk factors by investigating
their effect on gene and protein expression and immunological phenotype in patient and control
samples.
−
Master Thesis Award Alumni Organization Pharmaceutical Sciences (Farmaleuven), 1999
1. Goris A., Boonen S., D'hooghe M. and Dubois B. (2010) Replication of KIF21B as a
susceptibility locus for multiple sclerosis. Journal of Medical Genetics 47: 775-776.
2. Taes I., Goris A., Lemmens R., van Es M., van den Berg L., Chio A., Traynor B., Birve A.,
Andersen P., Slowik A., Tomik B., Brown R., Shaw C., Al-Chalabi A., Boonen S., Van Den Bosch
L., Dubois B., Van Damme P. and Robberecht W. (2010) Tau levels do not influence human
ALS or motor neuron degeneration in the SOD1G93A mouse. Neurology 74(21): 1687-93.
3. Gregory S.G., Schmidt S., Seth P., Oksenberg J.R., Hart J., Prokop A., Caillier S.J., Ban M., Goris
A., Barcellos L.F., Lincoln R., McCauley J.L., Sawcer S.J., Compston D.A., Dubois B., Hauser S.L.,
Garcia-Blanco M.A., Pericak-Vance M.A. and Haines J.L. (2007) Interleukin 7 receptor alpha
chain (IL7R) shows allelic and functional association with multiple sclerosis. Nature Genetics
39: 1083-1091.
60
ANN HEYLIGHEN, PH.D.
Contact address:
K.U.Leuven - Dept. Architecture, Urbanism & Planning
Kasteelpark Arenberg 1/2431
BE 3001 Heverlee
Tel: +32 16 32 17 41
Fax: +32 16 32 19 84
E-mail: ann.heylighen@asro.kuleuven.be
Website: http://www2.asro.kuleuven.be/home/heylighen
http://www.asro.kuleuven.be/aida
1991-1993
1993-1996
1995-1996
1996-2000
2000
2000-2006
2001
2002, 2004-05
2006
2009-present
Ba in Engineering: Architecture, K.U.Leuven (kandidaat burgerlijk ingenieur-architect)
MSc in Engineering: Architecture, K.U.Leuven (burgerlijk ingenieur-architect)
guest student at ETH Zürich
PhD Fellow of the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO)
PhD in Engineering: Architecture, K.U.Leuven
Postdoctoral Research Fellow of the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO)
Visiting Research Associate, Harvard University, Center for Design Informatics
Visiting Research Fellow at UC Berkeley, College of Environmental Design
Associate Professor (BOF-ZAP, docent)
Associate Professor (BOF-ZAP, hoofddocent)
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
(inclusive) design processes in architecture
the spatial experience of people with different perspectives and conditions: people with
blindness, autism, dementia, ...
the effect of the built environment on the wellbeing of (bedridden) patients, and of older
people with and without dementia
RESEARCH AREAS
At the department of Architecture, Urbanism & Planning (ASRO), the research group CAAD, Design &
Building Methodology studies innovation in the design and building process. Within this overall
objective, the team under supervision of Ann Heylighen explores how the spatial experience of
61
people with diverse perspectives and conditions can be disclosed to inform architects’ design process
and trigger innovative design concepts in architecture.
The trigger to establish this team came from a Starting Grant awarded by the European
Research Council for the project Architectural design In Dialogue with dis-Ability (AIDA). AIDA
combines the expertise of researchers with a background in architecture/design and
sociology/anthropology with the expertise by experience of people living with disabilities and the
design expertise of professional architects/designers. It forms the framework for more specific (PhD)
projects, each with its own objective and approach. Topics addressed in these projects include how
the spatial experience of people born blind may inform architects in paying more attention to haptic
qualities of the built environment; how people with autism use and interact with the built
environment from a ‘different’ mental disposition; or what spatial aspects influence the wellbeing of
(bedridden) patients in hospital environments or, more recently, of older people with and without
dementia, and how architects/designers can take these into account.
−
−
−
−
−
−
Best Presentation Award Design Cognition & Computing ’10 (DCC’10), 2010
ERC Starting Grant - Architectural design In Dialogue with disAbility (AIDA), 2008
Best Paper Award Cambridge Workshop on Universal Access & Assistive Technology
(CWUAAT 2008), 2008
Best Paper Award Design Cognition & Computing ’04 (DCC’04), 2004
Best Presentation Award Architectural Research Centres Consortium (ARCC), 2004
Best Paper Award European Association of Architectural Education (EAAE), 2000
1. Heylighen A. (2011) Studying the unthinkable designer: Designing in the absence of sight. In:
Gero J. (Eds.), Design Computing and Cognition DCC’10 (pp. 23-34). Springer
2. Herssens J. and Heylighen A. (2011) Haptic design research: A blind sense of space. In:
Proceedings of the ARCC/EAAE 2010 International Conference on Architectural Research.
ARCC & EAAE (in print).
3. Vermeersch P. and Heylighen A. (2011) Blindness and multi-sensoriality in architecture. The
case of Carlos Mourão Pereira. In: Proceedings of the ARCC/EAAE 2010 International
Conference on Architectural Research. ARCC & EAAE (in print).
4. Heylighen A., Rychtarikova M. and Vermeir G. (2010) Designing Spaces for Every Listener.
Universal Access in the Information Society 9(3):283-292.
5. Baumers S. and Heylighen A. (2010) Harnessing Different Dimensions of Space: The Built
Environment in Auti-Biographies. In: Langdon P., Clarkson J., Robinson P. (Eds.), Designing
Inclusive Interactions, Chapt. 2 (pp. 13-23). London, UK: Springer-Verlag.
6. Baumers S. and Heylighen A. (2010) Beyond the Designers' View. How people with autism
experience space. In: Durling, D., Bousbaci, R., Chen, L., Gauthier, P., Poldma, T., RowarthStokes, S., Stolterman, E. (Eds.), Design and Complexity (8p.). Design Research Society.
62
7. Heylighen A., Neyt E., Baumers S., Herssens J. and Vermeersch P. (2010) Conservation Meets
Inclusion. Model Meets Reality. In: Clarkson, P., Langdon, P., Robinson, P. (Eds.), Proceedings
of the 5th Cambridge Workshop on Universal Access and Assistive Technology (pp. 209-218).
Cambridge (UK): University of Cambridge.
8. Herssens J. and Heylighen A. (2010) Blind Body Language. In: Clarkson, P., Langdon, P.,
Robinson, P. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 5th Cambridge Workshop on Universal Access and
Assistive Technology, (pp. 109-118). Cambridge (UK): University of Cambridge.
9. Nijs G., Vermeersch P., Devlieger P. and Heylighen A. (2010) Extending the Dialogue between
Design(ers) and Disabled Use(rs). From Conversation to Embodied Skill. In: Design 2010 (10
p.). Design Society.
10. Herssens J. and Heylighen A. (2009) A lens into the haptic world. In: Include 2009
Proceedings. London: RCA Helen Hamlyn Centre.
11. Heylighen A. (2008) Sustainable and inclusive design: a matter of knowledge? Local
Environment, 13(6): 531-540.
12. Heylighen A., Vermeir G. and Rychtarikova M. (2008) The Sound of Inclusion: A Case Study on
Acoustic Comfort for All. In: Langdon P., Clarkson J., Robinson P. (Eds.), Designing Inclusive
Futures (pp. 77-86). London: Springer-Verlag.
63
BEA MAES, PH.D.
Contact address:
K.U.Leuven
Vesaliusstraat 2
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 32 62 24
Fax: +32 16 32 59 33
E-mail: bea.maes@ped.kuleuven.be
Website: http://ppw.kuleuven.be/ogop/maes
1985
1987
1987
1994
1995-present
Bachelor Educational Sciences, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Master Educational Sciences, specialisation special education, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Qualified high school teacher, K.U. Leuven, Belgium
Ph.D. in Educational Sciences, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Full professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Parenting and
Special Education Research Group
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
Quality of life and quality of support for persons with a disability, with specific focus on
o persons with (congenital or acquired) profound intellectual and severe neuromotor
disabilities
o ageing persons with a disability
o persons with an intellectual disability and behavioral or emotional problems
RESEARCH AREAS
The research in our group is focused on different aspects of quality of life and quality of support for
persons with a disability. This includes the theoretical conceptualisation of ‘quality of life’ and
‘quality of care’, the development of tools and evaluation procedures, and the evaluation of quality
of life and quality of care for disabled persons in different living situations. Specific areas of interest
are communication and interaction, adapted activities and supporting parents and direct care staff.
We have chosen for some specific target groups in our research:
−
persons with profound multiple disabilities: the care for children and adults with
profound multiple (i.e. severe neuromotor and intellectual) disabilities is very complex
and demanding. This area of research is aimed at the development of strategies for the
optimisation of the educational and support processes with regard to this target group.
64
−
−
ageing persons with an intellectual disability: we conduct research with regard to the
specific needs of ageing people with an intellectual disability, with a strong focus on the
social-emotional wellbeing of the people in question.
behavioural and emotional problems of persons with a disability: on the one hand, this
area of research is focused on the educational and parenting factors that influence the
occurrence of behavioural problems in persons with a disability; on the other hand,
research is being conducted to study the effects of specific support interventions for this
target group.
− Junior researcher FWO, 1988-1992
1. Hostyn I., Petry K., Lambrechts G. and Maes B. (2011) Evaluating the quality of the
interaction between persons with profound intellectual disabilities and direct support staff: A
preliminary application of three observation scales from parent-infant research. Journal of
Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3148.2010.00618.x
2. Vos P., De Cock P., Petry K., Van Den Noortgate W. and Maes B. (2010) What makes them
feel like they do? Investigating the subjective well-being in people with severe and profound
disabilities. Research in Developmental Disabilities 31(6): 1623-1632.
3. Vos P., De Cock P., Petry K., Van Den Noortgate W. and Maes B. (2010) Do you know what I
feel? A first step towards a physiological measure of the subjective well-being of persons
with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual
Disabilities 23(4): 366-378.
4. Heyvaert M., Maes B. and Onghena P. (2010) A meta-analysis of intervention effects on
challenging behaviour among persons with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual
Disability Research 54(7): 634-649.
5. Lambrechts G., Van Den Noortgate W., Eeman L. and Maes B. (2010) Staff reactions to
challenging behaviour: An observation study. Research in Developmental Disabilities 31(2):
525-535.
6. Hostyn I., Daelman M., Janssen M. and Maes B. (2010) Describing dialogue between persons
with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and direct support staff using the scale for
dialogical meaning making. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research 54(8): 679-690.
7. Kuppens S., Bossaert G., Buntinx W., Molleman C., Van den Abeele A. and Maes B. (2010)
Factorial Validity of the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS). American Journal on Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilities 115(4): 327-339.
8. Petry K., Maes B. and Vlaskamp C. (2009) Measuring the quality of life of people with
profound multiple disabilities using the QOL-PMD: First results. Research in Developmental
Disabilities 30(6): 1394-1405.
65
9. Lambrechts G., Kuppens S. and Maes B. (2009) Staff variables associated with the challenging
behaviour of clients with severe or profound intellectual disabilities. Journal of intellectual
disability research 53(7): 620-632.
10. Van Puyenbroeck J. and Maes B. (2009) The Effect of Reminiscence Group Work on Life
Satisfaction, Self-Esteem and Mood of Ageing People with Intellectual Disabilities. Journal of
applied research in intellectual disabilities 22(1): 23-33.
11. Maes B. and Van Puyenbroeck J. (2008) Adaptation of Flemish services to accommodate and
support the aging of people with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Policy and Practice in
Intellectual Disabilities 5(4): 245-252.
12. Maes B., Lambrechts G., Hostyn I. and Petry K. (2007) Quality-enhancing interventions for
people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities: a review of the empirical research
literature. Journal of intellectual and developmental disability 32(3): 163-178.
13. Petry K. and Maes B. (2007) Description of the support needs of people with profound
multiple disabilities using the 2002 AAMR system: An overview of literature. Education and
training in developmental disabilities 42(2): 130-143.
14. Petry K. and Maes B. (2006) Identifying expressions of pleasure and displeasure by persons
with profound and multiple disabilities. Journal of intellectual and developmental disability
31(1): 28-38.
66
GERT MATTHIJS, PH.D.
Contact address:
Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics
Center for Human Genetics
Herestraat 49
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 34 60 70
Fax: +32 16 34 60 60
E-mail: gert.matthijs@uzleuven.be
Website: http://med.kuleuven.be/cme
1985
1989
1990-1996
1997
2000
2002
2003
2006-present
Pharmacist (K.U.Leuven)
Doctor in the Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) (K.U.Leuven)
Postdoctoral grant NFWO
Assistant Professor (Docent)
Associate Professor (Hoofddocent)
Registered as Clinical Molecular Geneticist (The Netherlands)
Professor (Deeltijds hoogleraar)
Professor (Buitengewoon hoogleraar)
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG)
Molecular diagnostics: validation of novel technologies for genetic diagnostics and the
introduction of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platforms for diagnostic use
Gene patents and public health (in collaboration with CIR, Faculty of Law)
RESEARCH AREAS
My research interest is in Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG), a group of rare inborn errors
of metabolism. We focus on the systematic search for novel types of CDG. There is an enlarging
group of unsolved cases, with a defect, probably in the tailoring of the N- (and O-) linked glycans in
the Golgi. However, it has been shown that some of the types result from trafficking defects, and,
more generally, from (any) disturbance of the Golgi structure and function. We want to focus on the
genetic approach towards the identification of novel defects: we have collected families, which can
now be analysed by homozygosity mapping, and we have also embarked on exome sequencing for
the most interesting cases. Our success with CDG is partly due to the fact that we have committed
ourselves, since 1999, to the coordination of a European network on CDG.
My (translational) research activities deal with the development and validation of novel
technologies for diagnostic use. Currently, we focus on the implementation of the newest massive
67
parallel sequencing platforms for mutation scanning in a diagnostic setting. We are involved in
TECHGENE, a European project that specifically deals with NGS applications. For the quality aspects
of diagnostic testing, we are strongly involved in another European project, EuroGentest, which we
are coordinating from Leuven.
−
−
“Körber European Science Award” (Hamburg, Germany), together with Prof. von Figura, Prof.
Aebi, Prof. Hennet, Prof. Jaeken and Prof. Lehle, 2004
“Prix Madame Vve. Mathys-Bové” (Université Catholique de Louvain), 2000
1. Reynders E., Foulquier F., Annaert W. and Matthijs G. (2010) How Golgi glycosylation meets
and needs trafficking: the case of the COG complex. Glycobiology [Epub ahead of print]
2. Mattocks C.J., Morris M.A., Matthijs G., Swinnen E., Corveleyn A., Dequeker E., Müller C.R.,
Pratt V. and Wallace A. (2010) A standardized framework for the validation and verification
of clinical molecular genetic tests. European Journal of Human Genetics 18(12): 1276-88.
3. Reynders E., Foulquier F., Leão Teles E., Quelhas D., Morelle W., Rabouille C., Annaert W. and
Matthijs G. (2009) Golgi function and dysfunction in the first COG4-deficient CDG type II
patient. Human Molecular Genetics 18(17): 3244-56.
4. Huys I., Berthels N., Matthijs G. and Van Overwalle G. (2009) Legal uncertainty in the area of
genetic diagnostic testing. Nature Biotechnology 27(10): 903-9.
5. Foulquier F., Vasile E., Schollen E., Callewaert N., Raemaekers T., Quelhas D., Jaeken J., Mills
P., Winchester B., Krieger M., Annaert W. and Matthijs G. (2006) COG1 deficiency: a new
type of Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation type II. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (PNAS) 103: 3764-9.
6. Van Overwalle G., van Zimmeren E., Verbeure B. and Matthijs G. (2006) Models for
facilitating access to patents on genetic inventions. Nature Reviews Genetics 7(2): 143-8.
68
LIEVE MOONS, PH.D.
Contact address:
Premonstreit College
Naamsestraat 61
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 32 39 91
Fax: +32 16 32 42 62
E-mail: lieve.moons@bio.kuleuven.be
Website: http://bio.kuleuven.be/df/LM/
1984
MSc in Biology/Zoology, Faculty of Science - Department of Biology, Catholic
University of Leuven, Belgium
1990
PhD in Animal Morphology and Physiology, Department of Biology/Zoology, Catholic
University of Leuven, Belgiu
1990-1991
Post-doc Fellow, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Immunological
Biotechnology, University of Leuven, Belgium
1991-1994
Research Associate, National Foundation for Scientific Research Belgium (NFWO),
Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Immunological Biotechnology, University of
Leuven, Belgium
1994-1995
Staff Scientist, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology (Prof. Dr. D. Collen),
University of Leuven, Belgium
1995-2007
Group Leader/Senior Scientist, Center for Transgene Technology and Gene Therapy,
Flemish Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), Belgium
2000-2004
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular
Medicine, University of Leuven, Belgium
2004-2007
Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular
Medicine, University of Leuven, Belgium
2007-2008
Associate Professor, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, University of Leuven,
Belgium
2008-present Full Professor, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, University of Leuven,
Belgium
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
The role of matrix metalloproteinases in neuronal migration and axon guidance during brain
development
Axonal regeneration and neural plasticity in the injured central nervous system: role for
proteinases and signaling neuropeptides
69
−
The impact of glaucoma from retina to cortex: novel therapies to promote retinal ganglion
cell survival
RESEARCH AREAS
The research group Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration was established in 2008. The
overall goal of the ongoing research program is to investigate the involvement of proteinases, growth
factors and signalling neuropeptides in neural circuit development, remodelling and regeneration by
using mouse and zebrafish models to study neuronal patterning, neural plasticity and axon
outgrowth. Several transgenic technologies and in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro experiments are being
applied to investigate the importance of these molecules in neuronal patterning/survival and in axon
outgrowth/regeneration and to understand underlying mechanisms and substrate interactions.
The group currently focuses on some well–defined research topics: (1) morphogenesis and
remodeling of the developing mouse cerebellum; (2) development of the retinotectal circuit and
survival/regeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) after optic nerve neuropathy or retinal disease in
zebrafish and mice; (3) development of innovative therapeutic strategies for treatment of glaucoma,
a neurodegenerative disorder.
−
−
−
Triannual prize Alumni-Society Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, for doctoral theses
1988-1990, received in 1991
8th Prize Boehringer Ingelheim for Research on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (jointly with M.
Dewerchin), 1999
15th Congress Memorial Award for best publication between July 1998 and and March 2000,
XVth International Congress on Fibrinolysis and Proteolysis (Hamamatsu, Japan), 2000
1. Ruiz de Almodovar C., Coulon C., Salin P., Knevels E., Chounlamountri N., Poesen K., Hermans
K., Lambrechts D., Van Geyte K., Dhondt J., Dresselaers T., Renaud J., Aragones J., Zacchigna
S., Geudens I., Gall D., Stroobants S., Mutin M., Dassonville K., Storkebaum E., Jordan B.,
Eriksson U., Moons L., D'Hooge R., Haigh J., Belin M., Schiffmann S., Van Hecke P., Gallez B.,
Vinckier S., Chédotal A., Honnorat J., Thomasset N., Carmeliet P. and Meissirel C. (2010)
Matrix-binding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms guide granule cell
migration in the cerebellum via VEGF receptor Flk1. Journal of Neuroscience 30(45): 1505215066.
2. Zacchigna S., Oh H., Wilsch-Braeuninger M., Missol-Kolka E., Jaszai J., Jansen A., Tanimoto N.,
Tonagel F., Seeliger M., Huttner W., Corbeil D., Dewerchin M., Vinckier S., Moons L. and
Carmeliet P. (2009) Loss of the Cholesterol-Binding Protein Prominin-1/CD133 Causes Disk
Dysmorphogenesis and Photoreceptor Degeneration. Journal of Neuroscience 29(7): 22972308.
3. Li Z., Van Bergen T., Van de Veire S., Van de Vel I., Moreau H., Dewerchin M., Maudgal P.,
70
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Zeyen T., Spileers W., Moons L. and Stalmans I. (2009) Inhibition of Vascular Endothelial
Growth Factor Reduces Scar Formation after Glaucoma Filtration Surgery. Investigative
Ophthalmology & Visual Science 50(11): 5217-5225.
Tjwa M., Bellido-Martin L., Lin Y., Lutgens E., Plaisance S., Bono F., Delesque-Touchard N.,
Herve C., Moura R., Billiau A., Aparicio C., Levi M., Daemen M., Dewerchin M., Lupu F.,
Arnout J., Herbert J., Waer M., Garcia de Frutos P., Dahlback B., Carmeliet P., Hoylaerts M.
and Moons L. (2008) GAS6 promotes inflammation by enhancing interactions between
endothelial cells, platelets and leukocytes. Blood 111(8): 4096-4105.
Lutgens E., Tjwa M., Garcia de Frutos P., Wijnands E., Beckers L., Dahlbäck B., Daemen M.,
Carmeliet P. and Moons, L. (2008) Genetic loss of Gas6 induces plaque stability in
experimental atherosclerosis. Journal of Pathology 216(1): 55-63.
Cacquevel M., Launay S., Castel H., Benchenane K., Chéenne S., Buée L., Moons L.,
Delacourte A., Carmeliet P. and Vivien D. (2007) Ageing and amyloid-beta peptide deposition
contribute to an impaired brain tissue plasminogen activator activity by different
mechanisms. Neurobiology of Disease 27(2): 164-173.
Heymans S., Lupu F., Terclavers S., Vanwetswinkel B., Herbert J., Baker A., Collen D.,
Carmeliet P. and Moons L. (2005) Loss or inhibition of uPA or MMP-9 attenuates LV
remodeling and dysfunction after acute pressure overload in mice. American Journal of
Pathology 166(1): 15-25.
Storkebaum E., Lambrechts D., Dewerchin M., Moreno-Murciano M., Appelmans S., Oh H.,
Van Damme P., Rutten B., Man W., De Mol M., Wyns S., Manka D., Vermeulen K., Van Den
Bosch L., Mertens N., Schmitz C., Robberecht W., Conway E., Collen D., Moons L. and
Carmeliet P. (2005) Treatment of motoneuron degeneration by intracerebroventricular
delivery of VEGF in a rat model of ALS. Nature Neuroscience 8(1): 85-92.
Li X., Tjwa M., Moons L., Fons P., Noel A., Ny A., Zhou J., Lennartsson J., Li H., Luttun A.,
Pontén A., Devy L., Bouché A., Oh H., Manderveld A., Blacher S., Communi D., Savi P., Bono
F., Dewerchin M., Foidart J., Autiero M., Herbert J., Collen D., Heldin C., Eriksson U. and
Carmeliet P. (2005) Revascularization of ischemic tissues by PDGF-CC via effects on
endothelial cells and their progenitors. Journal of Clinical Investigation 115(1): 118-127.
Ny A., Koch M., Schneider M., Neven E., Tong R., Maity S., Fischer C., Plaisance S.,
Lambrechts D., Héligon C., Terclavers S., Ciesiolka M., Kälin R., Man W., Senn I., Wyns S.,
Lupu F., Brändli A., Vleminckx K., Collen D., Dewerchin M., Conway E., Moons L., Jain R. and
Carmeliet P. (2005) A genetic Xenopus laevis tadpole model to study lymphangiogenesis.
Nature medicine 11(9): 998-1004.
Luttun A., Lutgens E., Manderveld A., Maris K., Collen D., Carmeliet P. and Moons L. (2004)
Loss of matrix metalloproteinase-9 or matrix metalloproteinase-12 protects apolipoprotein
E-deficient mice against atherosclerotic media destruction but differentially affects plaque
growth. Circulation 109(11): 1408-1409.
Oosthuyse B., Moons L., Beck H., Van Dorpe J., Hellings P., Gorselink M., Nuyens D., Heymans
S., Theilmeier G., Dewerchin M., Laudenbach V., Vermylen P., Acker T., Damert A., Cashman
N., Fujisawa H., Drost M.R., Robberecht W., Sciot R., Bruyninckx F., Gressens P., Plate K.H.,
Lupu F., Herbert J.M., Collen D. and Carmeliet P. (2001) Deletion of the hypoxia-response
element in the VEGF promotor causes adult onset motor neuron degeneration. Nature
Genetics 28(2): 131-138.
71
ALICE NIEUWBOER, PH.D.
Contact address:
Research Centre for Neuromotor, Paediatric and Pelvic
Rehabilitation
Tervuursevest 101
B-3001 Heverlee
Tel: +32 16 32 91 19
Fax: +32 16 32 91 97
E-mail: alice.nieuwboer@faber.kuleuven.be
1980
1988
1999
B.Sc. Physiotherapy, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands
M.Sc. Rehabilitation Studies, University of Southampton, UK
Ph.D. Motor Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
Parkinson’s disease
Freezing of Gait
Rehabilitation
RESEARCH AREAS
The main research area under the supervision of Alice Nieuwboer is particularly dedicated to how
basal ganglia deficits influence gait and upper limb movements and the shared mechanisms of
repetitive movement breakdown. Since 2007, she is running two research projects involving gait
analysis of freezing and brain imaging of upper limb freezing in collaboration with the department of
Biomedical Kinesiology and Experimental Neurology. The second area of research involves studying
the capability of the brain to restore function when affected by degenerative pathology. This
research area was developed under the impetus of the EU-funded RESCUE-project (2002-2005) on
cueing in Parkinson’s disease. As an extension of this project, studies are currently undertaken which
look at motor and cognitive compensatory mechanisms by investigating the effects of offering
external stimuli during exercise, dual tasking, motor imagery and motor learning in PD patients with
and without cognitive impairment.
1. Nieuwboer A., Vercruysse S., Feys P., Levin O., Spildooren J. and Swinnen S. (2009) Upper
limb movement interruptions are correlated to freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease.
European Journal of Neuroscience 29(7): 1422-30.
72
2. Nieuwboer A., Kwakkel G., Rochester L., Jones D., van Wegen E., Willems A., Chavret F.,
Hetherington V., Baker K. and Lim I. (2007) Cueing training in the home improves gait-related
mobility in Parkinson's disease: The RESCUE-trial. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and
Psychiatry 78(2): 134-140.
3. Nieuwboer A., Dom R., De Weerdt W., Desloovere K., Janssens L. and Stijn V. (2004)
Electromyographic profiles of gait prior to onset of freezing episodes in patients with
Parkinson's disease. Brain 127: 1650-60.
73
ILSE NOENS, PH.D.
Contact address:
K.U.Leuven
Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences
Andreas Vesaliusstraat 2 - bus 3765
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 32 62 36/04
Fax: +32 16 32 59 33
E-mail: ilse.noens@ped.kuleuven.be
Website: http://ppw.kuleuven.be/english/pserg/noens/
1994
1997
2004
Bachelor Educational Sciences, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Master Educational Sciences, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
PhD Educational Sciences, Universiteit Leiden, Netherlands
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
Autism spectrum disorders
Behavioral and cognitive phenotypes
Parenting and special education
RESEARCH AREAS
My primary research area concerns autism spectrum disorders in an educational perspective. A first
line of research focuses on the nature and etiology of autism spectrum disorders and other
neurodevelopmental disorders in terms of behavior, cognition and educational aspects. A second,
more applied research line involves the development and evaluation of diagnostic instruments and
intervention strategies, e.g. regarding augmentative communication and parenting behavior.
I am interested in LIND for two reasons: (1) specific neurodegenerative genetic syndromes (e.g. Rett
syndrome) can co-occur with autism-related phenotypes, and (2) some of our diagnostic instruments
and intervention strategies, especially regarding adaptive behavior, augmentative communication
and care giving behavior, may be applicable to age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
−
−
Research Fellowship Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA, 2005
Dissertation Award 2003-2005 Leiden University, Netherlands, 2006
74
1. Lambrechts G., Van Leeuwen K., Boonen H., Maes B. and Noens I. (in press) Parenting
behaviour among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Research in Autism
Spectrum Disorders.
2. Tsatsanis K., Noens I., Illmann C., Pauls D., Volkmar F., Schultz R. and Klin A. (in press).
Managing complexity: Impact of organization and processing style on nonverbal memory in
autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
3. Noens I., Van Berckelaer-Onnes I., Verpoorten R. and Van Duijn G. (2006) The ComFor: An
instrument for the indication of augmentative communication in people with autism and
learning disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research 50(9): 621-632.
4. Noens I. and Van Berckelaer-Onnes I. (2004) Making sense in a fragmentary world.
Communication in people with autism and learning disability. Autism 8(2): 197-218.
75
HERMAN NYS, PH.D.
Contact address:
Interfaculty Centre for Biomedial Ethics and Law
Kapucijnenvoer 35
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 33 69 51
Fax: +32 16 33 69 52
E-mail: herman.nys@med.kuleuven.be
Website: www.kuleuven/cbmer.be
1971
1974
1980
1985-present
1989-present
2000-20005
2008-present
Bachelor in Law, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Master in Law, K.U. Leuven, Belgium
Doctor in Law (Ph.D), K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Professor in medical law, K.U.Leuven
Director, Center of Biomedical Ethics and Law, K.U.Leuven
Professor in international health law, University of Maastricht
Co-founder and Director of the European Association of Health Law
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
Medical and Health (care) Law
End-of-life decisions
Medical research with human beings
−
−
Elizur Wright Award 1978 for the book “National Health Insurance and Health Resources. The
European Experience”, Harvard University Press, 1978
Member of the European Group of Advisors on Ethics in Science and Biotechnology (EGE)
(2011-2015), 2010
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS (STRICTLY LIMITED TO END-OF-LIFE DECISIONS)
1. Fobelets G. and Nys H. (2009) ‘Evolution in research biobanks and its Legal consequences’ in
Dierickx K. and Borry P. (eds), New challenges for biobanks: ethics, law and governance,
Antwerp, Intersentia, 19-29.
2. Nys H. (2008) The Biomedicine Convention as an object and a stimulus for comparative
research in the European Journal of Health Law. European Journal of Health Law 15: 273-283.
76
3. Ang T.W., ten Have H., Solbak J.H. and Nys H. (2008) UNESCO global ethics observatory:
database on ethics related legislation and guidelines. Journal Medical Ethics 34: 738-741.
4. Nys H. and Adams M. (2008) ‘The legalisation of euthanasia in Belgium’ in Griffiths J., Weyers
H. and Adams M. (eds), Euthanasia and law in Europe, Oxford, Hart, 275-294.
5. Nys H. and Adams M. (2008) ‘Belgian law on euthanasia and other MBPSL’ in Griffiths J.,
Weyers H. and Adams M. (eds), Euthanasia and law in Europe, Oxford, Hart, 295-330.
6. Gastmans C., Dierickx K., Nys H. and Schotsmans P. (ed) (2007) New Pathways for European
Bioethics, Antwerpen, Intersentia, 224 p.
7. Nys H. (2007) ‘Physician involvement in a patient’s death: a continental European
perspective’, in Jost T.S. (ed), Readings in comparative health law and bioethics, second
edition, Durham, Carolina Academic Press, 279-294 and 319-324.
8. Nys H. (2005) ‘The Belgian law of August 22,2002 concerning the rights of patients’ in
Yearbook of European Medical Law, Lidingö (Sweden), The Institute of Medical Law, 91-100.
9. Nys H. and Adams M. (2005) ‘Euthanasia in the low countries. Comparative reflections on the
Belgian and Dutch euthanasia act’ in Schotsmans P. and Meulenberghs T. (eds), Euthanasia
and palliative care in the Low Countries, Leuven, Peeters, Ethical Perspectives Monograph
Series, 5-33.
10. Nys H. (2004) ‘A presentation of the Belgian Act on euthanasia against the background of
Dutch euthanasia law’ in Eutanasia: un problema aperto, Milano, Centro Nazionale di
prevenzione e difesa sociale, 35-61.
11. Nys H. (2001) ‘Physician involvement in a Patient’s Death: a Continental European
perspective’ in Jost T. (ed), Readings in Comparative Health Law and Bioethics, Durham,
Carolina Academic Press, 300-313.
12. Nys H. (2000) ‘Country Report Belgium’, in Taupitz J. (ed), Zivilrechtliche Regelungen zur
Absicherung der Patientenautonomie am Ende des Lebens. Eine internationale
documentation/ Regulations of civil law to safeguard the autonomy of patients at the end of
their life. An international documentation, Berlin, Springer, 135-161.
77
ANTON ROEBROEK, PH.D.
Contact address:
Laboratory for Experimental Mouse Genetics
Center for Human Genetics
KULeuven
Herestraat 49, box 602
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: + 32 16 34 62 25
Fax: + 32 16 34 62 59
E-mail: anton.roebroek@med.kuleuven.be
Website: http://med.kuleuven.be/cme/index.html?en
1979
1982
1987
1987 - 1989
1989 - 1994
1994 – 1999
2001 – 2006
1999-present
B.Sc. in Biology (KU Nijmegen, the Netherlands)
M.Sc. in Biology (KU Nijmegen, the Netherlands)
PhD. in Sciences (KU Nijmegen, the Netherlands)
Post-Doc (KU Nijmegen, the Netherlands)
Research associate (K.U.Leuven)
Assistant professor (K.U.Leuven)
VIB group leader
Associate professor (K.U.Leuven)
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
LRP1 and Aß metabolism
LRP1, atherosclerosis and the metabolic syndrome
LRP1 and cancer
RESEARCH AREAS
The research of the Laboratory of Experimental Mouse Genetics is focused upon the biological role of
the multifunctional endocytic receptor LRP1. LRP1 binds more than 30 unrelated ligands and it
participates as such in a number of diverse physiological and pathological processes ranging from
homeostasis of plasma lipoproteins, cell growth and atherosclerosis to neuronal regeneration and
survival. The intracellular or cytoplasmic domain of LRP1 encodes many potential (internalization)
signals, to which many different scaffold and adaptor proteins are binding. These multiple signals are
likely essential for relay or modulation of differential responses upon binding of different ligands to
the receptor. Mutagenesis of these putative signals, presumably disturbing only a part of the
biological functions of LRP1 is expected to be instrumental in further determination of their
significance and for our understanding of the biology of LRP1. During the last years, multiple
78
mutations were introduced in the endogenous LRP1 gene of the mouse by application of a specially
designed, novel Recombination Mediated Cassette Exchange (RMCE) method. The impact of the
mutations, introduced into the LRP1 intracellular domain, is presently investigated with respect to
the role of LRP1 in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, more specific its role in APP metabolism
and degradation and clearing of Aß. Also the significance of LRP1 for the development of
atherosclerosis, lipid metabolism and the metabolic syndrome is being studied in the mutant mice.
Furthermore in relation to tumor growth and metastasis, the role of LRP1 in activation and
inactivation of heparanase-1 and metalloproteases, all extracellular matrix modulating enzymes, is
presently investigated.
1. Pflanzner T., Janko M., André-Dohmen B., Reuss S., Weggen S., Roebroek A., Kuhlmann C.
and Pietrzik C. (2010) LRP1 mediates bidirectional transcytosis of amyloid-beta across the
blood-brain-barrier. Neurobiology of Aging in press.
2. Reekmans S., Pflanzner T., Gordts P.L., Isbert S., Zimmermann P., Annaert W., Weggen S.,
Roebroek A.J. and Pietrzik C.U. (2010) Inactivation of the proximal NPXY motif impairs early
steps in LRP1 biosynthesis. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences 67(1): 135-145.
3. Christoffersen C., Pedersen T., Gordts P., Roebroek A., Dahlbäck B. and Nielsen L. (2010)
Opposing effects of apoM on catabolism of apoB-containing lipoproteins and atherosclerosis.
Circulation Research 106(10): 1624-1634.
4. Gordts P.L., Reekmans S., Lauwers A., Van Dongen A., Verbeek L. and Roebroek A.J. (2009)
Inactivation of the LRP1 intracellular NPxYxxL motif in LDLR-deficient mice enhances
postprandial dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular
Biology 29(9): 1258-1264.
5. Martin A., Kuhlmann C., Trossbach S., Jaeger S., Waldron E., Roebroek A., Luhmann H.,
Laatsch A., Weggen S., Lessmann V. and Pietrzik C. (2008) The Functional Role of the Second
NPXY Motif of the LRP1 {beta}-Chain in Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator-mediated
Activation of N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptors. Journal of Biological Chemistry 283(18):
12004-12013.
6. Roebroek A.J., Reekmans S., Lauwers A., Feyaerts N., Smeijers L. and Hartmann D. (2006)
Mutant Lrp1 knock-in mice generated by recombinase-mediated cassette exchange reveal
differential importance of the NPXY motifs in the intracellular domain of LRP1 for normal
fetal development. Molecular and Cellular Biology 26(2): 605-616.
79
BIRGITTE SCHOENMAKERS, M.D., PH.D.
Contact address:
Academic Center for General Practice
Kapucijnenvoer 33 blok J Box 7001
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 33 27 32
E-mail: birgitte.schoenmakers@med.Kuleuven.be
1997
1999
2009
Medical Doctor, Catholic University Leuven
General Practice, Catholic University Leuven
PhD in Medicine
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
Dementia Caregivers
Primary Healthcare
Education in General Practice
RESEARCH AREAS
The focus of the research I perform is on dementia caregivers in primary care. Family caregivers are a
frail but indispensable link in home care giving of dementia patients. Obviously, family caregivers
succeed well in organizing and supporting home care witnessing the degree of met objective care
needs. Nevertheless, in their attempt to efficiently approach and support home care, professional
carers tend to inventory and rate care needs in an objective, rational way. Consequently, caregivers
very often reported a high satisfaction and gratefulness whilst the efficacy of home care is
disappointing since outcome measures appeared not to improve. Professional support should
therefore be more fine-tuned to the individual needs of the caregivers and their active participation
in the choice should be sought. In terms of policy, this has some important implications. Instead of
inventing new, sophisticated or complex support mechanisms, home care should become more
accessible. A care counselor, familiar with the local care systems, could guide carers through the
difficult pathway of home care. In our intervention study we demonstrated that with a minimum of
actual interventions our care counselor achieved a remarkable decrease in depression rates in the
dementia caregivers.
1. Schoenmakers B., Buntinx F. and De Lepeleire J. (2010) Factors determining the impact of
care-giving on caregivers of elderly patients with dementia. A systematic literature review.
Maturitas.
80
2. Schoenmakers B., Buntinx F. and DeLepeleire J. (2010) Supporting the dementia family
caregiver: the effect of home care intervention on general well-being. Aging & mental health
14(1): 44-56.
3. Schoenmakers B., Buntinx F. and De Lepeleire J. (2010) Supporting family carers of
community-dwelling elder with cognitive decline: a randomized controlled trial. Family
Medicine 1-10.
4. Schoenmakers B., Buntinx F. and De Lepeleire J. (2009) Can pharmacological treatment of
behavioural disturbances in elderly patients with dementia lower the burden of their family
caregiver? Family practice 26(4): 279-86.
5. Schoenmakers B., Buntinx F. and De Lepeleire J. (2009) The relation between care giving and
the mental health of caregivers of demented relatives: A cross-sectional study. The European
Journal of General Practice 15(2): 99-106.
6. Schoenmakers B., Buntinx F., Devroey D., Van Casteren V. and De Lepeleire J. (2009) The
process of definitive institutionalization of community dwelling demented vs non demented
elderly: data obtained from a network of sentinel general practitioners. International Journal
of Geriatric Psychiatry 24(5): 523-31.
7. Schoenmakers B., Buntinx F. and De Lepeleire J. (2009) What is the role of the general
practitioner towards the family caregiver of a community-dwelling demented relative? A
systematic literature review. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care 27(1): 31-40.
81
RAF SCIOT M.D., PH.D.
Contact address:
Department of Pathology
Minderbroedersstraat 12
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 33 65 93
Fax: +32 16 33 65 48
E-mail: raf.sciot@uz.kuleuven.be
1985
M.D., Leuven University
1990
Ph.D., Leuven University
1992
Specialisation in Anatomic Pathology, Leuven University
2008-present Chair of the Department of Pathology, University Hospital, K.U.Leuven
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
Mesenchymal tumors
Brain Tumors
RESEARCH AREAS
Correlation between morphological, and genetic/molecular features in mesenchymal and brain
tumors, including therapeutic implications
1. Dewaele B., Floris G., Finalet-Ferreiro J., Fletcher C.D.M., Coindre J.M., Guillou L.,
Hogendoorn P., Wozniak A., Vanspauwen V., Vandenberghe P., Schöffski P., Marynen P.,
Sciot R. and Debiec-Rychter M. (2010) Co-activated PDGFRA and EGFR are potential
therapeutic targets in intimal sarcoma. Cancer Research 70: 7304-7314.
2. Hallor K.H., Sciot R., Staaf J., Heidenblad M., Rydholm A., Bauer H.C.F., Astrom K., Domanski
H.A., Meis J.M., Kindblom L.G., Panagopoulos I., Mandahl N. and Mertens F. (2009) Two
genetic pathways, t(1;10) and amplification of 3p11-12, in myxoinflammatory fibroblastic
sarcoma, hemosiderotic fibrolipomatous tumor and morphologically similar lesions. Journal
of Pathology 217: 716-727.
3. Sciot R., Debiec-Rychter M., Daugaard S., Fisher C., Collin F., van Glabbeke M., Verweij J., Blay
J.Y. and Hogendoorn P.C.W. (2008) Distribution and prognostic value of histopathologic data
and immunohistochemical markers in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). An analysis of
the EORTC phase III trial of treatment of metastatic GISTs with imatinib mesylate. European
Journal of Cancer 44: 1855-1860.
82
NELE SPRUYTTE, PH.D.
Contact address:
Kapucijnenvoer 39
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 33 69 10
Fax: +32 16 33 69 22
E-mail: nele.spruytte@med.kuleuven.be
Website: www.kuleuven.be/lucas
1992-1997
1997-2003
2003-2006
2006-2008
2008-present
Masters in Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, K.U.Leuven
Phd in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and LUCAS, K.U.Leuven
Director of nursing home
Senior researcher HIVA, K.U.Leuven
Senior researcher LUCAS, K.U.Leuven
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
−
Informal caregiving
Psychosocial care and guidance for persons with dementia
Collaboration between patients, family and professional caregivers
Integrated care for elderly
RESEARCH AREAS
diversity there is a specialization in a few lines of research. Nele Spruytte’s main research topics are
focused on elderly care (informal caregiving, integration, collaboration) and on psychosocial care and
guidance for persons with dementia (small-scale living, participation of carers, etc).
83
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Antwerpen: Garant.
Spruytte N., Vermeulen B., De Groof M., Declercq A. and Van Audenhove C. (2009)
Thuisbegeleiding dementie Foton: een eerste evaluatie, 155 pp. Leuven: LUCAS.
Spruytte N., De Coster I., Declercq A., Vermeulen K. and Van Audenhove C. (2009)
Onderhandelde zorg. Ondersteunende methodieken voor participatie van bewoners en
familie in de residentiële ouderenzorg, Eindrapport. Leuven: LUCAS.
Van Audenhove C., Spruytte N., Detroyer E., De Coster I., Declercq A., Ylieff M., Squelard G.
and Misotten P. (2009) De zorg voor personen met dementie: perspectieven en uitdagingen.
Van Audenhove C., Spruytte N., Detroyer E., De Coster I., Declercq A., Ylieff M., Squelard G.
and Misotten P. (2009) Les soins aux personnes atteintes de la maladie d’Alzheimer ou d’une
maladie apparentée: perspectives et enjeux. Brussel, Koning Boudewijnstichting.
Van Audenhove C., Declercq A., De Coster I., Spruytte N., Molenberghs C. and Van den
Heuvel B. (2003) Kleinschalig genormaliseerd wonen voor personen met dementie.
Antwerpen: Garant.
Spruytte N., Van Audenhove C., Lammertyn F. and Storms G. (2002) The quality of the
caregiving relationship in informal care for older adults with dementia and chronic
psychiatric patients. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice 75(3):
295-311.
Van Audenhove C., Van Humbeeck G., Spruytte N., Storms G., De Hert M., Heyrman J.,
Peuskens J., Pieters G. and Vertommen H. (2001) The Care Perception Questionnaire - An
instrument for the assessment of the perspective of patients, family members, and
professionals on psychiatric rehabilitation. European journal of psychological assessment
17(2): 120-129.
Spruytte N., Van Audenhove C. and Lammertyn F. (2001) Predictors of institutionalization of
cognitively-impaired elderly cared for by their relatives. International Journal of Geriatric
Psychiatry 16(12): 1119-1128.
84
STEPHAN SWINNEN, PH.D.
Contact address:
Research Center for Motor Control and Neuroplasticity
Department of Biomedical Kinesiology K.U.Leuven
Tervuurse Vest 101
B-3001 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 32 90 71
Fax: +32 16 32 91 97
E-mail: Stephan.Swinnen@faber.kuleuven.be
Website:
http://faber.kuleuven.be/english/research/dep2/mcn/control/index.php
1979
1983-1985
1987
Lic. Ph. Ed./Kinesiology, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Staff Research Associate in Motor Control, University of California at Los Angeles
PhD Motor Control/Kinesiology, K.U.Leuven, Belgium & UCLA, Los Angeles, California
RESEARCH TOPICS
-
Motor control and neuroplasticity
Age-related alterations in brain function and structure
Age-related deficits in movement control
Brain mechanisms involved in interlimb coordination and cognitive control
RESEARCH AREAS
As director of the Motor Control Laboratory at K.U.Leuven, Stephan P. Swinnen has gradually
developed a multidisciplinary research program for the study of motor coordination and
neuroplasticity, including a combination of behavioural and neuroscientific techniques (functional
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). His
team is interested in normal and disordered control of movement, including traumatic brain injury
and neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson’s disease). Over the years, intensive research
collaborations have been developed with the Departments of Radiology, Cognitive Neurology, and
Rehabilitation Sciences and the Department of Psychology at KU Leuven. During the past 10 years,
our team has devoted an increasing attention to aging research. More specifically, we explore agerelated changes in brain function, brain structure and connectivity, and their consequences for motor
performance, such as postural control and interlimb coordination. Our research is targeted at a
better understanding of processes of compensatory neural recruitment to offset performance loss as
a result of normal aging. Furthermore, we study the penetration of cognition into action control
during complex tasks that require cognitive/executive control across the lifespan. Our latest research
is directed towards the study of plastic changes in the aging brain as a result of training interventions.
85
-
-
Astra Pharmaceuticals Award, 1992
Early Career Distinguished Scholar Award (NASPSPA), 1993
Belgian Chair at University College London (UCL) - Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience
and Movement Disorders - Institute of Neurology - Queen Square - London WC1N 3BG (UK),
2004
Distinguished Visitor - Neuroscience Lecture Series - Purdue University, 2005
Distinguished Visitor Award – University of Auckland, 2005
Visiting Research Fellow – UMR 6152 "Mouvement et Perception" Université de la
Méditerranée, Marseille cedex, 2005
1. Coxon J., Goble D., Van Impe A., De Vos J., Wenderoth N. and Swinnen S. (2010) Reduced
basal ganglia function when elderly switch between coordinated movement patterns.
Cerebral Cortex 20(10): 2368-2379.
2. Heuninckx S., Wenderoth N. and Swinnen S. (2010) Age-related reduction in the differential
pathways involved in internal and external movement generation. Neurobiology of Aging
31(2): 301-314.
3. Goble D., Coxon J., Van Impe A., De Vos J., Wenderoth N. and Swinnen S. (2010) The neural
control of bimanual movements in the elderly: brain regions exhibiting age-related increases
in activity, frequency-induced neural modulation, and task-specific compensatory
recruitment. Human Brain Mapping 31(8): 1281-1295.
4. Goble D., Coxon J., Wenderoth N., Van Impe A. and Swinnen S. (2009) Proprioceptive
sensibility in the elderly: Degeneration, functional consequences and plastic-adaptive
processes. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 33(3): 271-278.
5. Heuninckx S., Wenderoth N. and Swinnen S. (2008) Systems neuroplasticity in the aging
brain: Recruiting additional neural resources for successful motor performance in elderly
persons. Journal of Neuroscience 28(1): 91-99.
6. Serrien D.J., Ivry R.B. and Swinnen S.P. (2006) Dynamics of hemispheric specialization and
integration in the context of motor control. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 7: 160-166.
7. Swinnen S.P. (2002) Intermanual coordination: from behavioural principles to neuralnetwork interactions. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 3: 350-361.
86
JOHAN THEVELEIN, PH.D.
Contact address:
Lab of Molecular Cell Biology/VIB Department Molecular
Microbiology
Associated research group
Kasteelpark Arenberg 31
B-3001 Leuven-Heverlee
Tel: +32 16 32 15 07
Fax: +32 16 32 19 79
E-mail: johan.thevelein@mmbio.vib-kuleuven.be
Website: http://bio.kuleuven.be/mcb/
1981
1982-1983
1986
1996-present
2002-present
PhD, Department of Biology, K.U.Leuven
Post-doc, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University
Assistant professor, K.U.Leuven
Full professor, K.U.Leuven
Department director, VIB
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
−
Molecular mechanisms of nutrient sensing and signaling in yeast and other eukaryotic cells
Polygenic analysis of complex traits and genetic improvement of industrial yeast strains
Use of yeast as a model and tool for functional analysis of genes with biomedical interest
Isolation and functional characterization of mammalian genes suppressing alfa-synuclein
toxicity in yeast
RESEARCH AREAS
Relevant research area: isolation and functional characterization of mammalian genes suppressing
alfa-synuclein toxicity in yeast
We have identified a yeast mutant highly sensitive to alpha-synuclein expression and have
used this strain to isolate two mammalian suppressor genes and one enhancer gene from a
mammalian brain cDNA library. The action mechanism of these proteins is currently being analyzed
both in yeast and in mammalian cells.
SELECTED RECENT PUBLICATIONS
1. Peeters T., Louwet W., Geladé R., Nauwelaers D., Thevelein J.M. and Versele M. (2006)
Kelch-repeat proteins interacting with the Gα protein Gpa2 bypass adenylate cyclase for
87
direct regulation of protein kinase A in yeast. Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences (USA) 103: 13034-13039.
2. Van Zeebroeck G., Monge Bonini B., Versele M. and Thevelein J.M. (2009) Transport and
signaling via the amino acid binding site of the yeast Gap1 amino acid transceptor. Nature
Chemical Biology 5: 45-52.
3. Popova Y., Thayumanavan P., Lonati E., Agrochão M. and Thevelein J.M. (2010) Transport and
signaling through the phosphate-binding site of the yeast Pho84 phosphate transceptor.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA) 107: 2890-2895.
88
VINCENT THIJS, M.D., PH.D.
Contact address:
Department of Neurology
University Hospitals Leuven
Herestraat 49
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 34 42 80
Fax: +32 16 34 42 85
E-mail: vincent.thijs@uzleuven.be
1995
2000
1999-2001
2003
2004
2007-present
Medical Doctor, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Neurologist, University Hospitals Leuven
Cerebrovascular disease research Fellowship, Stanford Medical Center, USA
Adjunct clinic head, University Hospitals Leuven
PhD in Medical Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Deeltijds hoofddocent, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
−
−
−
stroke
cerebrovascular disorder
neuroimaging
recovery
axonal outgrowth
stroke genetics
RESEARCH AREAS
Stroke is the leading cause of adult onset disability and causes one out of 10 deaths worldwide. V
Thijs directs a project on the pathophysiology and genetics of stroke and studies the therapeutic
potential of thrombolysis after brain ischemia. The group studies genetic risk factors for stroke and
the potential differences with other vascular diseases like myocardial infarction and peripheral artery
disease. These genetic risk factors may provide insight into novel disease pathways leading to stroke.
As a second endeavour the group studies recovery mechanisms after stroke. Research has focused in
the past on the use of imaging to select patients who may recover after stroke treatment and on
testing new therapeutic agents like microplasmin for acute stroke treatment. Basic research is now
geared towards a more fundamental understanding of the stroke recovery process in animals who
suffer from experimental stroke.
89
−
−
−
−
−
International Rotary Foundation Scholarship, 1999-2000
H. Van Waeyenbergh of the Hoover Foundation Fellow of the Belgian American Educational
Foundation, 1999-2000
Klinische Doctoraatsbeurs Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Vlaanderen, 2002-2004
Beurs Klinisch Onderzoeksfonds UZ Leuven, 2006-2008
Fundamenteel klinisch onderzoeker FWO, 2007-2012
1. Lemmens R., Buysschaert I., Geelen V., Fernandez-Cadenas I., Montaner J., Schmidt H.,
Schmidt R., Attia J., Maguire J., Levi C., Jood K., Blomstrand C., Jern C., Wnuk M., Slowik A.,
Lambrechts D. and Thijs V. (2010) The association of the 4q25 susceptibility variant for atrial
fibrillation with stroke is limited to stroke of cardioembolic etiology. Stroke 41: 1850-1857.
2. Thijs V., Lemmens R., Schoofs C., Gorner A., Van Damme P., Schrooten M. and Demaerel P.
(2010) Microbleeds and the risk of recurrent stroke. Stroke 41: 2005-2009.
3. Brouns R., Thijs V., Eyskens F., Van den Broeck M., Belachew S., Van Broeckhoven C.,
Redondo P., Hemelsoet D., Fumal A., Jeangette S., Verslegers W., Baker R., Hughes D. and De
Deyn P.P. (2010) Belgian fabry study: Prevalence of fabry disease in a cohort of 1000 young
patients with cerebrovascular disease. Stroke 41: 863-868.
4. Lemmens R., Abboud S., Robberecht W., Vanhees L., Pandolfo M., Thijs V. and Goris A. (2009)
Variant on 9p21 strongly associates with coronary heart disease, but lacks association with
common stroke. European Journal of Human Genetics 17: 1287-1293.
5. Albers G.W., Thijs V.N., Wechsler L., Kemp S., Schlaug G., Skalabrin E., Bammer R., Kakuda W.,
Lansberg M.G., Shuaib A., Coplin W., Hamilton S., Moseley M. and Marks M.P. (2006)
Magnetic resonance imaging profiles predict clinical response to early reperfusion: The
diffusion and perfusion imaging evaluation for understanding stroke evolution (defuse)
study. Annals of Neurology 60: 508-517.
90
JOS TOURNOY, M.D., PH.D.
Contact address:
Division of Geriatric Medicine/Division of Gerontology and
Geriatrics
Internal Medicine Department/Department of Experimental
Medicine
Memory Clinic
Herestraat 49 - bus 7003
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 34 26 40 or +32 16 34 17 47
Fax: +32 16 34 26 41
E-mail: jos.tournoy@uzleuven.be
Website:
http://www.uzleuven.be/geheugenkliniek/geheugenkliniek
1998
2006
2005
2006
2006- 2008
Master of Medicine, Medical doctor
PhD in Medical Sciences, Catholic University Leuven, Belgium: ‘Physiological study of
Presenilins and BACEs, two proteases involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s
disease’. Promotors: Prof. Dr. D. Hartmann and Prof. Dr. B. De Strooper
Internal Medicine Certification KULeuven
Geriatric Medicine Certification KULeuven
Staff Physician at the Psychiatry Research and Gerontopsychiatric Department,
University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
RESEARCH TOPICS
− Neurobiology of Alzheimer’s disease
− Mechanisms of cognitive decline with ageing
− Drug therapy for Alzheimer’s disease
RESEARCH AREAS
The research of Jos Tournoy covers both clinical and fundamental areas related to cognition and
Alzheimer’s disease. Through participation in several diagnostic and therapeutic clinical trials at the
Memory
Clinic
of
the
University
Hospitals
Leuven
(http://www.uzleuven.be/geheugenkliniek/onderzoek), we aim to contribute to the development of
new and more efficacious therapies for AD. Jos Tournoy is also involved as co-investigator of the
European Male Ageing Study (http://www.emas.man.ac.uk/main.asp), where he specifically analyses
possible contributors to cognitive decline within male ageing and partner in the AMACS project
(http://www.mobilab-khk.be/Eng/index.html), in order to automatically monitor activities of elderly
91
at home and correlate this with cognitive abilities.
His fundamental research aims at elucidating the molecular signature of AD through a
translational approach. In collaboration with the Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative
Diseases, the occurrence of specific miRNA networks in patients with AD will be investigated. Hereby,
we aim to identify miRNAs networks involved in AD, study their putative role in neurodegeneration
and explore their potential as biomarkers for AD. At the Memory Clinic of the Leuven University
Hospitals, we started to derive fibroblasts from AD patients aiming to obtain specific induced
pluripotent stem cell lines in collaboration with Prof. C. Verfaillie. Subsequent to the establishment of
reliable protocols for differentiation into cortical and hippocampal neurons and glia cells, these cells
will serve as a human model for drug screening, but also serve to elucidate the molecular, functional
and morphological phenotypes of the neurons and glia cells in relation to AD.
−
Horlait-Dapsens Foundation Price, 2006
1. Tournoy J., Bossuyt X., De Strooper B., Snellinx A., Regent M., Craessaerts K. and Hartmann D.
(2004) Partial loss of presenilins causes seborrheic keratosis and a severe autoimmune
phenotype in adult mice. Human Molecular Genetics 13(13): 1321-31.
2. Tournoy J., Dominguez D., Deforce S., Hartmann D., Reiss K., Saftig P. and De Strooper B.
(2005) Phenotypic and biochemical analyses of BACE1- and BACE2-deficient mice. Journal of
Biological Chemistry 280(35): 30797-806.
3. Vandenberghe R. and Tournoy J. (2005) Cognitive aging and Alzheimer's disease.
Postgraduate Medical Journal 81(956): 343-52.
4. Tournoy J., Lee D., Pendleton N., O’Neill T., O’Connor D., Bartfai G., Casanueva F., Finn J.,
Forti G., Giwercman A., Han T., Huhtaniemi I., Kula K., Lean M., Moseley C., Punab M., Silman
A., Vanderschueren D., Wu F. and Boonen S. (2010) Association of cognitive performance
with the metabolic syndrome and with glycaemia in middle-aged and older European men:
the European Male Ageing Study. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews 26(8): 668-76.
92
THOMAS TOUSSEYN, M.D., PH.D.
Contact address:
Morphology and Molecular Pathology Section
Minderbroederstraat 12 Blok Q
B- 3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 336582
Fax: +32 16 336548
E-mail: thomas.tousseyn@uzleuven.be
2001
2001-2002
2004
2004
2002- 2006
2006-2007
Medical Doctor, summa cum laude, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Resident in Neurosurgery, University Hospitals K.U. Leuven
Aggregation for Teaching in High School, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Postgraduate Degree in Hospital Management, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
PhD student at Neuronal Cell Biology and Gene Transfer Laboratory, V.I.B.
Postdoctoral researcher at the Memory and Aging Clinic of the University of
California, San Francisco (U.C.S.F, USA)
2007-2010
Resident in Anatomic Pathology, University Hospitals K.U. Leuven
2009
Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Sciences), Dept for Human Genetics, V.I.B,
K.U.Leuven, Belgium
2010
Anatomic Pathologist, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
2010
Fellowship in Hematopathology, British Columbia Research Center (BCCA), Vancouver
General Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.
2010-present Adjunct-Kliniekhoofd, Staff Pathologist with focus on Neuropathology and
Hematopathology at the Morphology and Molecular Pathology Section, University
Hospitals K.U.Leuven, Belgium
2010-present Senior Academic Staff, Professor at the Department of Medical Diagnostic Sciences,
Faculty of Medicine, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
Neuropathology
Hematopathology
93
RESEARCH AREAS
Neurodegenerative disorders:
−
−
−
−
Development of a brain biobank
o Histopathological evaluation of brain autopsy specimens of cognitively impaired
patients (Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Creutzfeld-Jacob disease
(CJD), Lewy body and Parkinson's disease).
o Postmortem correlation study between the amyloid ligand 18F-flutemetamol, a
derivative of 11C-PIB, and beta-amyloid protein, using immunohistochemical
stainings.
o Study of the role of quinacrine and gamma-secretase inhibitor administration on
dendritic arborisation in a mouse model for CJD.
o Histopathological study of the presence of prion protein (PrP) and beta-amyloid
plaques in CJD patients.
Brain tumors: histopathological analysis of the stromal respons in glioblastoma.
Myopathies: histopathological and electron microscopical analysis of muscle biopsies.
Hematopathology: Histopathological analysis and molecular pathogenesis of lymphomas,
with a focus on Primary Central Nervous System lymphoma, post-transplant
lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) and the role of the host immune response on tumor
development
−
−
−
−
Aspirant Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (F.W.O.), 2003-2007
Young Investigator’s Award from the International Society of Neuropathology, 2006
D. Collen Award, Belgian American Educational Foundation (B.A.E.F), 2006-2007
UICC International Cancer Technology Transfer Fellowships (ICRETT), 2010
1. Clerinx K., Breban T., Schrooten M., Leite M.I., Vincent A., Verschakelen J., Tousseyn T. and
Vandenberghe W. (2010) Resolution of progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and
myoclonus after thymectomy. Neuron. In press
2. Sagaert X., Van Cutsem E., De Hertogh G., Geboes K. and Tousseyn T. (2010) Gastric MALT
lymphoma: a model of chronic inflammation-induced tumor development. Nature Reviews
Gastroenterology & Hepatology 7(6): 336-46.
3. Dierickx D., Tousseyn T. and Verhoef G. (2010) Primary central nervous system posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder. Cancer 116(14): 3521.
4. Van Loo P., Tousseyn T., Vanhentenrijk V., Dierickx D., Malecka A., Vanden Bempt I., Verhoef
G., Delabie J., Marynen P., Matthys P. and De Wolf-Peeters C. (2010) T-cell/histiocyte-rich
large B-cell lymphoma shows transcriptional features suggestive of a tolerogenic host
immune response. Haematologica 95(3): 440-8.
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5. Sagaert X., Tousseyn T., Vanhentenrijk V., Van Loo P., Baens M., Marynen P., De Hertogh G.,
Geboes K. and De Wolf-Peeters C. (2010) Comparative expressed sequence hybridization
studies of t(11;18)(q21;q21)-positive and -negative gastric MALT lymphomas reveal both
unique and overlapping gene programs. Modern Pathology 23(3): 458-69.
6. Tousseyn T., Simko J., Gaskin D. and DeArmond S. (2009) The molecular basis of
neurodegenerative diseases. in Modern Surgical Pathology, 2nd edition, vol. 2. Eds: Noel
Weidner, Richard J Cote, Saul Suster and Lawrence M Weiss pp. 2039-2069. ISBN:
141603966X
7. Tousseyn T. (2009) Analysis of the role of the Disintegrin Metalloprotease ADAM10 in
Regulated Intramembrane Proteolysis. Acta Biomedica Lovaniensia 462.
8. Tousseyn T., Thathiah A., Jorissen E., Raemaekers T., Konietzko U., Reiss K., Maes E., Snellinx
A., Serneels L., Nyabi O., Annaert W., Saftig P., Hartmann D. and De Strooper B. (2009)
ADAM10, the rate-limiting protease of regulated intramembrane proteolysis of notch and
other proteins, is processed itself by ADAMS 9, -15, and gamma-secretase. Journal of
Biological Chemistry 284(17): 11738-47.
9. Spilman P., Bush C., Sattavat M., Tousseyn T., Lessard P., Huang E., Prusiner S. and DeArmond
S.J. (2008) A γ-secretase inhibitor and quinacrine reduce prions and prevent dendritic
degeneration in murine brains. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) USA
105(30): 10595-10600.
10. Tousseyn T., Jorissen E., Reiss K. and Hartmann D. (2006) (Make) stick and cut loosedisintegrin metalloproteases in development and disease. Birth Defects Research Part C:
Embryo Today 78(1): 24-46.
11. Reiss K., Maretzky T., Ludwig A., Tousseyn T., De Strooper B., Hartmann D. and Saftig P.
(2005) ADAM10 cleavage of N-cadherin and regulation of cell-cell adhesion and beta-catenin
nuclear signalling. EMBO Journal 24(4): 742-52.
12. Serneels L., Dejaegere T., Craessaerts K., Horre K., Jorissen E., Tousseyn T., Hebert S., Coolen
M., Martens G., Zwijsen A., Annaert W., Hartmann D. and De Strooper B. (2005) Differential
contribution of the three Aph1 genes to gamma-secretase activity in vivo. Proceedings of the
13. van Kuyck K., Demeulemeester H., Feys H., De Weerdt W., Dewil M., Tousseyn T., De Sutter
P., Gybels J., Bogaerts K., Dom R. and Nuttin B. (2003) Effects of electrical stimulation or
lesion in nucleus accumbens on the behaviour of rats in a T-maze after administration of 8OH-DPAT or vehicle. Behavioral Brain Research 140(1-2): 165-73.
95
CHANTAL VAN AUDENHOVE, PH.D.
Contact address:
Kapucijnenvoer 39
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 33 69 10
Fax: +32 16 33 69 22
E-mail: chantal.vanaudenhove@med.kuleuven.be
Website: www.kuleuven.be/lucas; www.steunpuntwvg.be
1974-1979
1980-1981
Masters in Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, K.U.Leuven
Aggregate for Higher Secundary Eduction, Department of Psychology, Katholieke
Universiteit Leuven
1986
Ph.D. thesis at Department of Psychology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
1992
Project leader at Lucas
1996
Director of LUCAS
1995
Assistant professor, medical School, K.U.Leuven
2004
Full professor, medical school, K.U.Leuven
2007-present Promotor-coordinator of the policy research center for health, social wellfare and
family a research network between the Catholic University of Leuven, the University
of Gent, the Free university of Brussels and Katholieke Hogeschool Kempen.
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
−
Care for persons with dementia
Community mental health care
Prevention of suicide and depression
Communication in health care
RESEARCH AREAS
diversity there is a specialization in a few lines of research. Chantal Van Audenhove’s main research
topics are in the field of care for persons with dementia, community mental health care,
communication and decision making and prevention of suicide and depression.
96
1. Reynders A., Scheerder G. and Van Audenhove C. (2010) The reliability of suicide rates: An
analysis of railway suicides from two sources in fifteen European countries. Journal of
Affective Disorders art.nr. 10.1016/j.jad.2010.11.003.
2. Scheerder G., Reynders A., Andriessen K. and Van Audenhove C. (2010) Suicide intervention
skills and related factors in community and health professionals. Suicide & Life-threatening
Behavior 40(2): 115-124.
3. Scheerder G., Van Audenhove C., Arensman E., Bernik B., Giupponi G., Horel A., Maxwell M.,
Sisask M., Szekely A., Värnik A. and Hegerl U. (2010) Community and health professionals'
attitude toward depression: a pilot study in nine EAAD countries. International Journal of
Social Psychiatry (Epub ahead of print).
4. Scheerder G., De Coster I. and Van Audenhove C. (2009) Community pharmacists' attitude
toward depression: a pilot study. Research in social & administrative pharmacy: RSAP 5(3):
242-52.
5. Hegerl U., Wittenburg L., Arensman E., Van Audenhove C., Coyne J., McDaid D., van der FeltzCornelis C., Gusmão R., Kopp M., Maxwell M., Meise U., Roskar S., Sarchiapone M.,
Schmidtke A., Värnik A. and Bramesfeld A. (2009) Optimizing suicide prevention programs
and their implementation in Europe (OSPI Europe): an evidence-based multi-level approach.
BMC public health 9: 428.
6. Arensman E., Coffey C., McDaid D., Van Audenhove C., Scheerder G., Schmidtke A., Gusmão
R. and Hegerl U. (2009) Intermediate outcome criteria and evaluation of suicide prevention
programmes: A review. European Journal of Public Health 19(Suppl. 1): 68-68.
Antwerpen: Garant.
8. Van Audenhove C., Spruytte N., Detroyer E., De Coster I., Declercq A., Ylieff M., Squelard G.,
Misotten P. (2009) De zorg voor personen met dementie: perspectieven en uitdagingen.
9. Scheerder G., De Coster I. and Van Audenhove C. (2008) Pharmacists' role in depression care:
A survey of attitudes, current practices, and barriers. Psychiatric services 59(10): 1155-1161.
10. Hegerl U., Wittmann M., Arensman E., Van Audenhove C., Bouleau J., Van Der Feltz-Cornelis
C., Gusmao R., Kopp M., Löhr C., Maxwell M., Meise U., Mirjanic M., Oskarsson H., Sola V.,
Pull C., Pycha R., Ricka R., Tuulari J., Värnik A. and Pfeiffer-Gerschel T. (2008) The 'European
Alliance Against Depression (EAAD)': a multifaceted, community-based action programme
against depression and suicidality. The World Journal of Bological Psychiatry 9(1): 51-8.
11. Liegeois A. and Van Audenhove C. (2005) Ethical dilemmas in community mental health care.
Journal of medical ethics 31(8): 452-6.
12. van Weeghel J., Van Audenhove C., Colucci M., Garanis-Papadatos T., Liegeois A., McCulloch
A., Muijen M., Norcio B., Ploumbidis D. and Bauduin D. (2005) The components of good
community care for people with severe mental illnesses: views of stakeholders in five
European countries. Psychiatric rehabilitation journal 28(3): 274-81.
97
13. Van Humbeeck G., Van Audenhove C. and Declercq A. (2004) Mental health, burnout and job
satisfaction among professionals in sheltered living in Flanders. A pilot study. Social
psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology 39(7): 569-75.
14. Van Humbeeck G., Van Audenhove C., Storms G., De Hert M., Pieters G., Vertommen H.,
Peuskens J. and Heyrman J. (2004) Expressed emotion in the client-professional dyad - A
comparison of three expressed emotion instruments. European journal of psychological
assessment 20(4): 237-246.
15. Van Audenhove C., Declercq A., De Coster I., Spruytte N., Molenberghs C., Van den Heuvel B.
(2003) Kleinschalig genormaliseerd wonen voor personen met dementie. Antwerpen: Garant.
16. Van Audenhove C. and Van Humbeeck G. (2003) Expressed emotion in professional
relationships. Current opinion in psychiatry 16(4): 431-435.
17. Van Humbeeck G. and Van Audenhove C. (2003) Expressed emotion of professionals towards
mental health patients. Epidemiologia e psichiatria sociale 12(4): 232-7.
18. Declercq A. and Van Audenhove C. (2003) Small is beautiful in Belgium. Occupational Therapy
News (10): 26.
19. Van Humbeeck G., Van Audenhove C., Vertommen H., Storms G., De Hert M., Peuskens J.,
Pieters G. and Heyrman J. (2003) Emotion expérimentée chez les soignants en relation avec
des résidents souffrant de troubles d'apprentissage. Vers une nouvelle définition du
surinvestissement émotionnel. Revue Européenne du Handicap Mental - European Journal on
Mental Disability (27): 16-27.
20. Van Humbeeck G., Van Audenhove C., Pieters G., De Hert M., Storms G., Vertommen H.,
Peuskens J. and Heyrman J. (2002) Expressed emotion in the client-professional caregiver
dyad: are symptoms, coping strategies and personality related? Social psychiatry and
psychiatric epidemiology 37(8): 364-71.
21. Van Humbeeck G., Van Audenhove C., De Hert M., Pieters G. and Storms G. (2002) Expressed
emotion: a review of assessment instruments. Clinical Psychology Review 22(3): 321-341.
22. Spruytte N., Van Audenhove C., Lammertyn F. and Storms G. (2002) The quality of the
caregiving relationship in informal care for older adults with dementia and chronic
psychiatric patients. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice 75(3):
295-311.
23. Spruytte N., Van Audenhove C. and Lammertyn F. (2001) Predictors of institutionalization of
cognitively-impaired elderly cared for by their relatives. International Journal of Geriatric
Psychiatry 16(12): 1119-1128.
98
PHILIP VAN DAMME, M.D., PH.D.
Contact address:
Neurology Department
Herestraat 49
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 16 34 42 80
Fax: +32 16 34 42 85
E-mail: philip.vandamme@uz.kuleuven.be
Website: www.vrc-lab.be
1992-1999
1999-2006
2000-2004
2008
Medical School, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Neurology Training, Leuven University Hospitals, Belgium
Ph.D. in Neuroscience on the role of AMPA receptors in the pathogenesis of
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Visiting fellowship in neuromuscular disorders/EMG and visiting research fellowship
at MGH, Harvard Medical School, Boston
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
−
The link between frontotemporal lobar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral
The role of progranulin and TDP-43 in neurodegeneration
Genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Clinical trials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
RESEARCH AREAS
Next to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, neurodegenerative disorders in the
frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)/ amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) spectrum are amongst
the most common neurodegenerative disorders. The progressive behavioral and language
disturbances in FTLD and the progressive motor weakness in ALS have devastating effects on patients
and their families. Hereditary (30% of FTLD, 10% of ALS) and sporadic forms of both disorders exist.
Mutations in MAPT and GRN (encoding progranulin) cause FTLD, mutations in SOD1, TARDP
(endocing TDP-43) and FUS cause ALS. In more than 50% of patients with familial disease, the gene
remains to be elucidated.
There is extensive overlap between FTLD and ALS at the clinical, the pathological and genetic
level. Progranulin and TDP-43 are two important molecular players central to this overlap. Mutations
in GRN cause FTLD (sometimes with ALS) with TDP-43 pathology. Mutations in TARDP cause ALS
(sometimes FTLD) with TDP-43 pathology. In addition, TDP-43 pathology is encountered in the
99
majority of patients with sporadic FTLD or ALS. Using cellular and animal models we try to
understand how progranulin and TDP-43 lead to neurodegeneration. Better knowledge of the role of
progranulin and TDP-43 will hopefully contribute to novel therapeutic strategies.
−
−
−
‘Schamelhout-Koettlitz’ award of the Royal Academy of Medicine, 2009
‘Horlait-Dapsens’ foundation award, 2007
‘Willy et Marcy de Vooght’ foundation award, 2006
1. Laird A., Van Hoecke A., De Muynck L., Timmers M., Van Den Bosch L., Van Damme P. and
Robberecht W. (2010) Progranulin is neurotrophic in vivo and protects against a mutant TDP43 induced axonopathy. PLoS ONE 5(10): e13368.
2. Philips T., De Muynck L., Nguyen H.T., Weynants B., Vanacker P., Dhondt J., Sleegers K.,
Schelhaas H.J., Verbeek M., Vandenberghe R., Sciot R., Van Broeckhoven C., Lambrechts D.,
Van Leuven F., Van Den Bosch L., Robberecht W. and Van Damme P. (2010) Microglial
upregulation of progranulin as marker of motor neuron degeneration. Journal of
Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology. In press.
3. Shatunov A., Mok K., Newhouse S., Weale M.E., Smith B., Vance C., Johnson L., Veldink J., van
Es M., van den Berg L., Robberecht W., Van Damme P., Hardiman O., Farmer A.E., Lewis C.M.,
Butler W.L., Abel O., Andersen P.M., Fogh I., Silani V., Chio A., Traynor B.J., Melki J.,
Meininger V., Landers J.E., McGuffin P., Glass J.D., Pall H., Leigh P.N., Hardy J., Brown R.H.,
Powell J.F., Orrell R.W., Morrison K.E., Shaw P.J., Shaw C.E. and Al-Chalabi A. (2010)
Chromosome 9p21 in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the UK and seven other
countries: a genome-wide association study. The Lancet Neurology 9(10): 986-994.
4. Bento-Abreu A., Van Damme P., Van Den Bosch L. and Robberecht W. (2010) The
neurobiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. European Journal of Neuroscience 31(12):
2247-2265.
5. Delforge M., Bladé J., Dimopoulos M.A., Facon T., Kropff M., Ludwig H., Palumbo A., Van
Damme P., San-Miguel J.F. and Sonneveld P. (2010) Treatment-related peripheral
neuropathy in multiple myeloma: the challenge continues. Lancet Oncology
doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(10)70068-1.
6. Bogaert E., Goris A., Van Damme P., Geelen V., Lemmens R., van Es M., van den Bergh L.H.,
Sleegers K., Verpoorten N., Timmerman V., De Jonghe P., Van Broeckhoven C., Traynor B.,
Landers J.E., Brown Jr. R.H., Al-Chalabi A., Shaw C.E., Birve A., Andersen P.M., Slowik A.,
Tomik B., Melki J., Robberecht W. and Van Den Bosch L. (2010) Polymorphisms in the GluR2
gene are not associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiology of aging
doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2010.03.007.
7. Taes I., Goris A., Lemmens R., van Es M., Van den Berg L., Chio A., Traynor B.J., Birve A.,
Andersen P., Slowik A., Tomik B., Brown Jr. R.H., Shaw C.E., Al-Chalabi A., Boonen S., Van Den
Bosch L., Dubois B., Van Damme P. and Robberecht W. (2010) Tau levels do not contribute to
100
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
human ALS or motor neuron degeneration in the SOD1G93A mouse model. Neurology 74(21):
1687-1693.
Wang J., Van Damme P., Cruchaga C., Gitcho M.A., Vidal J.M., Seijo-Martínez M., Wang L.,
Wu J.Y., Robberecht W. and Goate A. (2010) Pathogenic Cysteine Mutations Affect
Progranulin Function and Production of Mature Granulins. Journal of Neurochemistry 112:
1305-1315.
Van Damme P., Goris A., Race V., Hersmus N., Dubois B., Van Den Bosch L., Matthijs G. and
Robberecht W. (2010) The occurrence of mutations in FUS in a Belgian cohort of familial ALS
patients. European Journal of Neurology 17(5): 754-756.
Van Damme P. and Robberecht W. (2009) Recent advances in motor neuron disease. Current
opinion in neurology 22(5): 486-92.
Sleegers K., Brouwers N., Van Damme P., Engelborghs S., Gijselinck I., van der Zee J., Peeters
K., Mattheijssens M., Cruts M., Vandenberghe R., De Deyn P.P., Robberecht W. and Van
Broeckhoven C. (2009) A serum biomarker for progranulin-associated frontotemporal lobar
degeneration. Annals of Neurology 65(5): 603-9.
Bogaert E., Van Damme P., Poesen K., Dhondt J., Hersmus N., Kiraly D., Scheveneels W.,
excitotoxicity
by
upregulation
of
GluR2.
Neurobiology
of
Aging
doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2008.12.007.
Lemmens R., Race V., Hersmus N., Matthijs G., Van Den Bosch L., Van Damme P., Dubois B.,
Boonen S., Goris A. and Robberecht W. (2009) TDP-43 M311V mutation in familial
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 80(3): 354-5.
Poesen K., Lambrechts D., Van Damme P., Dhondt J., Bender F., Frank N., Bogaert E., Claes B.,
Heylen L., Verheyen A., Raes K., Tjwa M., Eriksson U., Shibuya M., Nuydens R., Van Den Bosch
L., Meert T., D'Hooge R., Sendtner M., Robberecht W. and Carmeliet P. (2008) Novel Role for
VEGF-Receptor-1 and its Ligand VEGF-B in Motor Neuron Degeneration. Journal of
Neuroscience 28: 10451-10459.
Van Damme P., Van Hoecke A., Lambrechts D., Vanacker P., Bogaert E., van Swieten J.,
Carmeliet P., Van Den Bosch L. and Robberecht W. (2008) Progranulin functions as a
neurotrophic factor to regulate neurite outgrowth and enhance neuronal survival. The
Journal of Cell Biology 181(1): 37-41.
Sleegers K., Brouwers N., Maurer-Stroh S., van Es M.A., Van Damme P., van Vught P.W.J, van
der Zee J., Serneels S., De Pooter T., Van den Broeck M., Cruts M., Schymkowitz J., De Jonghe
P., Rousseau F., van den Berg L.H., Robberecht W. and Van Broeckhoven C. (2008)
Progranulin genetic variability contributes to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurology 71(4):
253-259.
Van Damme P., Bogaert E., Dewil M., Hersmus N., Kiraly D., Scheveneels W., Bockx I.,
Braeken D., Verpoorten N., Verhoeven K., Timmerman V., Herijgers P., Callewaert G.,
Carmeliet P., Van Den Bosch L. and Robberecht W. (2007) Astrocytes regulate GluR2
expression in motor neurons and their vulnerability to excitotoxicity. Proceedings of the
Van Damme P., Braeken D., Callewaert G., Robberecht W. and Van Den Bosch L. (2005) GluR2
deficiency accelerates motor neuron degeneration in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis. Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology 64(7): 605-612.
101
LUDO VAN DEN BOSCH, PH.D.
Contact address:
Neurobiology, Vesalius Research Center
Campus Gasthuisberg PB1022
Herestraat 49
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: 32 16 34 57 85
Fax: 32 16 33 07 70
E-mail: Ludo.Vandenbosch@vib-kuleuven.be
Website: http://www.neurology-kuleuven.be/index.php?id=168
1984
1986
1990
Bachelor in Biology, University of Hasselt, Belgium
Master in Biology, University of Leuven, Belgium
PhD in Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and distal hereditary motor neuropathies (dHMN)
Excitotoxicity
RESEARCH AREAS
The main focus of our research is to get insights into the mechanism of selective motor neuron death
in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) and distal hereditary
motor neuropathies (dHMN). All these disorders are characterized by a disturbance in the motor
function of the patients. In ALS, the selective death of the motor neurons leads to muscle atrophy,
paralysis and death of the patient, on average 2 to 5 years after the onset of the disease, while in
CMT and dHMN the progression of the degeneration is much slower. A common denominator of
these diseases is that the problems start at the neuromuscular junction, that subsequently the axons
of the motor neurons degenerate and that ultimately the cell bodies of the motor neurons disappear.
Using primary cell cultures and animal models, we investigate the parameters that influence the
different steps of this degeneration. We are currently focusing on the role of overstimulation of
glutamate receptors (=excitotoxicity), of axonal transport and of astrocytes. Ultimately, we hope to
develop therapeutic strategies that can stop and/or reverse the motor neuron degeneration.
−
Monique Brauns prize of the ‘Geneeskundige Stichting Koningin Elisabeth’, 2008
102
−
−
Schamelhout-Koettlitz prize, 2000-2005
Prize of the Belgian ‘Royal Academy of Medicine’, 1997
1. Bogaert E., Van Damme P., Poesen K., Dhondt J., Hersmus N., Kiraly D., Scheveneels W.,
excitotoxicity by upregulation of GluR2. Neurobiology of Aging 31(12): 2185-2191.
2. Van Damme P., Bogaert E., Dewil M., Hersmus N., Kiraly D., Scheveneels W., Bockx I.,
Braeken D., Verpoorten N., Verhoeven K., Timmerman V., Herijgers P., Callewaert G.,
Carmeliet P., Van Den Bosch L. and Robberecht, W. (2007) Astrocytes regulate GluR2
expression in motor neurons and their vulnerability to excitotoxicity. Proceedings of the
3. Evgrafov O., Mersiyanova I., Irobi J., Van Den Bosch L., Dierick I., Leung C., Schagina O.,
Verpoorten N., Van Impe K., Fedotov V., Dadali E., Auer-Grumbach M., Windpassinger C.,
Wagner K., Mitrovic Z., Hilton-Jones D., Talbot K., Martin J., Vasserman N., Tverskaya S.,
Polyakov A., Liem R., Gettemans J., Robberecht W., De Jonghe P. and Timmerman V. (2004)
Mutant small heat-shock protein 27 causes axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and distal
hereditary motor neuropathy. Nature Genetics 36(6): 602-606.
103
PIETER VANDEN BERGHE, PH.D.
Contact address:
Lab. for Enteric NeuroScience (LENS)
TARGID, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal
Disorders
O&N1, mailstop 701, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven
Tel: + 32 16 33 01 53
Fax: +32 16 33 07 23
E-mail: Pieter.VandenBerghe@med.kuleuven.be
Website: www.targid.eu (> LENS)
1993
1994
2000
2000-2002
2002-2003
2001-2008
2008-present
Masters degree in Bio-Engineering (KULeuven)
Masters degree in Biomedical and Clinical engineering techniques (KULeuven).
Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (KULeuven)
Postdoctoral Fellow University of Nevada, Reno, USA.
Max-Planck Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie, Göttingen, Germany.
FWO post-doctoral fellow (KULeuven)
Assistant Professor Fac. of Medicine, KULeuven.
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
−
Enteric nervous system
Mitochondrial transport in neurons
Glia neuronal interactions
Microscopy techniques
RESEARCH AREAS
Pieter Vanden Berghe’s Lab. for Enteric NeuroScience (LENS) aims to gain in-depth understanding of
how the enteric nervous system functions in normal and pathophysiological conditions. Enteric
nerves are organized in a ganglionated network located in the gut wall and control secretion,
absorption and motor behavior of stomach and intestines. The coordination of various gut functions
requires accurate communication (synaptic and paracrine) between the different cell types involved.
Besides standard biochemical and molecular biology techniques we mainly use microscopic imaging
to monitor activity in the enteric nervous system and to understand different aspects of
communication among enteric nerves and between nerves and glial cells. Apart from being crucial in
the coordination of gut physiology, the enteric nervous system is, due to its architecture, also an
ideal model system to investigate general principles of nerve network activity, information
processing and neurodegeneration issues.
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Role of glial cells in neurotransmission in the ENS
We aim to elucidate the bidirectional communication between enteric neurons and glia and
investigate how glial cells influence synaptic transmission in the enteric nervous system.
Regulation of mitochondrial transport
Mitochondrial dysfunction or defects in the transport of mitochondria have been implicated in many
neurodegenerative diseases. The physiological events that drive mitochondrial transport are only
starting to be understood. Patients with neurodegenerative disorders often present with
gastrointestinal symptoms that are attributed to specific alterations in the ENS. An interesting
hypothesis, put forward by Braak et al. (2006) even suggests that environmental factors may be
involved in the onset of Parkinson’s disease, whereby enteric neurons are among the first affected to
progressively kill neurons along the gut-brain axis.
−
−
Prize M.T. van Genechten-Paternoster and Prof. G. Vantrappen. Academie voor
Geneeskunde, 2004
11th European Symposium on Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Tübingen Germany.
Young investigator award, 2002
1. Boesmans W., Owsianik G., Tack J., Voets T. and Vanden Berghe P. (2011) Transient receptor
potential cation channels in neurogastroenterology. British Journal of Pharmacology 162(1):
18-37.
2. Boesmans W., Ameloot K., Van den Abbeel V., Tack J. and Vanden Berghe P. (2009)
Cannabinoid receptor 1 signalling dampens activity and mitochondrial transport in networks
of enteric neurones. Neurogastroenterology & Motility 21(9): 958-e77.
3. Gomes P., Chevalier J., Boesmans W., Roosen L., Van den Abbeel V., Neunlist M., Tack J. and
Vanden Berghe P. (2009) ATP-dependent paracrine communication between enteric neurons
and glia in a primary cell culture derived from embryonic mice. Neurogastroenterology &
Motility 21(8): 870-e62.
4. Vanden Berghe P., Tack J. and Boesmans W. (2008) Highlighting synaptic communication in
the enteric nervous system. Gastroenterology 135(1): 20-3.
5. Chevalier J., Derkinderen P., Gomes P., Thinard R., Naveilhan P., Vanden Berghe P. and
Neunlist M. (2008) Activity-dependent regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the
enteric nervous system. The Journal of Physiology 586(7): 1963-75.
6. Boesmans W., Gomes P., Janssens J., Tack J. and Vanden Berghe P. (2008) Brain-Derived
Neurotrophic rain-derived neurotrophic factor amplifies neurotransmitter responses and
promotes synaptic communication in the enteric nervous system. Gut 57(3): 314-22.
105
7. Vanden Berghe P. and Klingauf J. (2007) Spatial organization and dynamic properties of
neurotransmitter release sites in the enteric nervous system. Neuroscience 145(1): 88-99.
8. Vanden Berghe P. and Klingauf J. (2006) Synaptic vesicles in hippocampal boutons recycle to
different pools in a use-dependent fashion. The Journal of Physiology 572.3 pp 707-720.
9. Reis H. J., Vanden Berghe P., Romano-Silva M.A. and Smith T.K. (2006) GABA-induced calcium
signaling in cultured enteric neurons is reinforced by activation of cholinergic pathways.
Neuroscience 139(2): 485-94.
10. Zandecki M., Raeymaekers P., Janssens J., Tack J. and Vanden Berghe P. (2006) The effect of
nitric oxide donors on nitric oxide synthase expressing myenteric neurons.
Neurogastroenterology & Motility 18(4): 307-15.
11. Vanden Berghe P., Hennig G.W. and Smith T.K. (2004) Characteristics of intermittent
mitochondrial transport in guinea-pig myenteric nerve fibers. American Journal of Physiology
286(4): G671-82.
12. Vanden Berghe P., Kenyon J.L. and Smith T.K. (2002) Mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake regulates
excitability of myenteric neurons. The Journal of Neuroscience 22: 6962-6971.
13. Vanden Berghe P., Missiaen L., Janssens J. and Tack J.(2002) Calcium signalling and removal
mechanisms in myenteric neurons. Neurogastroenterology & Motility 14: 63-73.
106
WIM VANDENBERGHE, M.D., PH.D.
Contact address:
Department of Neurology
Herestraat 49
3000 Leuven
Tel: 016 34280
Fax: 016 34285
E-mail: wim.vandenberghe@uzleuven.be
Website: http://www.neurology-kuleuven.be/
1996
1996-1998
2001
2002
2002-2003
M.D., K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Research Fellow, University of Chicago, USA
Ph.D., K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Neurologist, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California at San Francisco, USA
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
Molecular and cellular biology of Parkinson’s disease
Clinical diagnosis and management of Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and other
movement disorders.
Molecular imaging in patients with Parkinson’s and Huntington’ s disease
−
Druwé-Eerdekens Award for Parkinson’s Disease Research, 2009
1. Clerinx K., Breban T., Schrooten M., Leite I., Vincent A., Verschakelen J., Tousseyn T. and
Vandenberghe W. (2011) Progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus:
resolution after thymectomy. Neurology, in press.
2. Janssens J. and Vandenberghe W. (2010) Dystonic drop foot gait in a patient with
manganism. Neurology 75(9): 835.
3. Van Laere K., Casteels C., Dhollander I., Goffin K., Grachev I., Bormans G. and Vandenberghe
W. (2010) Widespread reduction of CB1 receptor availability in Huntington’s disease in vivo.
Journal of Nuclear Medicine 51(9): 1413-1417.
4. Van Laere K., Clerinx K., D’Hondt E., de Groot T. and Vandenberghe W. (2010) Combined
striatal binding and cerebral influx analysis of dynamic 11C-raclopride PET improves early
107
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
differentiation between multiple system atrophy and Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Nuclear
Medicine 51(4): 588-595.
Kühn A.A., Kempf F., Brücke C., Gaynor Doyle L., Martinez-Torres I., Pogosyan A., Trottenberg
T., Kupsch A., Schneider G.H., Hariz M.I., Vandenberghe W., Nuttin B. and Brown P. (2008)
High-frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus suppresses oscillatory beta activity in
patients with Parkinson's disease in parallel with improvement in motor performance.
Journal of Neuroscience 28(24): 6165-6173.
Van Humbeeck C., Waelkens E., Corti O., Brice A. and Vandenberghe W. (2008) Parkin occurs
in a stable, non-covalent, ~110-kDa complex in brain. European Journal of Neuroscience
27(2): 284-293.
Devos H., Vandenberghe W., Nieuwboer A., Tant M., Baten G. and De Weerdt W. (2007)
Predictors of fitness to drive in people with Parkinson’s disease. Neurology 69(14): 14341441.
Kempf F., Brücke C., Kühn A.A., Schneider G., Kupsch A., Chen C.C., Androulidakis A.G., Wang
S., Vandenberghe W., Nuttin B., Aziz T. and Brown P. (2007). Modulation by dopamine of
human basal ganglia involvement in feedback control of movement. Current Biology 17(15):
R587-R589.
Vandenberghe W., Nicoll R.A. and Bredt D.S. (2005) Interaction with the unfolded protein
response reveals a role for stargazin in biosynthetic AMPA receptor transport. Journal of
Neuroscience 25(5): 1095-1102.
Vandenberghe W., Nicoll R.A. and Bredt D.S. (2005) Stargazin is an AMPA receptor auxiliary
subunit. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
102(2): 485-490.
108
JORIS WINDERICKX, PH.D
Contact address:
Functional Biology
Kasteelpark Arenberg 31, Box 2433
B-3001 Heverlee
Tel: +32 16 32 15 16
Fax: +32 16 32 19 67
E-mail: joris.winderickx@bio.kuleuven.be
Website: http://www.kuleuven.be/bio/funbio
1984
1990
1990
Ma Biology, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Doctor in Science, Biology, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Postdoctoral fellow, Depts Genetics and Human Genetics, U. Washington, Seattle,
USA
Senior postdoctoral fellow, Dept Biology, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Associate professor, Dept Biology, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Full professor, Dept Biology, K.U.Leuven, Belgium
Chair LBioSCENTer, K.U.Leuven, Belgium (http://www.kuleuven.be/bio/funbio)
1992
1998
2003
2009
RESEARCH TOPICS
−
−
−
−
−
Molecular cell biology
Yeast genetics
Signal transduction
Stress resistance, metabolic control, ageing, growth and survival
Protein misfolding diseases and cell death
RESEARCH AREAS
Joris Winderickx is an expert cell biologist. The research in his team, the laboratory for Functional
Biology (http://www.kuleuven.be/bio/funbio), is focuses on the elucidation of signal transduction
mechanisms in yeast required to control cellular metabolism, growth, ageing and survival. The
elucidation of these mechanisms led to the finding that different yeast signaling cascades are at the
origin of the more sophisticated pathways found in higher eukaryotes, where hormonal control have
assumed increasingly greater importance. This validated yeast cells as model to demonstrate the
regulatory properties of plant and mammalian proteins. In consequence, the research team started
to develop so-called humanized yeast models allowing to study crucial aspects related to a variety of
human pathologies in a less complex but biologically relevant model system. These models proved to
be ideal tools for phenotypic compound screening, an expertise capitalized by the foundation of the
109
K.U.Leuven spin-off reMYND (http://www.reMYND.com), which Joris co-founded together with Prof.
Fred Van Leuven, Dr. Stefaan Wera and Paul Van Dun.
1. Buettner S., Delay C., Franssens V., Bammens T., Ruli D., Zaunschirm S., de Oliveira R.,
Outeiro T., Madeo F., Buee L., Galas M. and Winderickx J. (2010) Synphilin-1 Enhances alphaSynuclein Aggregation in Yeast and Contributes to Cellular Stress and Cell Death in a Sir2Dependent Manner. PLoS One 5: e13700.
2. Vanhelmont T., Vandebroek T., De Vos A., Terwel D., Lemaire K., Anandhakumar J., Franssens
V., Swinnen E., Van Leuven F. and Winderickx, J. (2010) Serine-409 phosphorylation and
oxidative damage define aggregation of human protein tau in yeast. FEMS Yeast Research 10:
992-1005.
3. Dechant R., Binda M., Lee S.S., Pelet S., Winderickx J. and Peter M. (2010) Cytosolic pH is a
second messenger for glucose and regulates the PKA pathway through V-ATPase. EMBO
Journal 29: 2515-2526.
4. Zabrocki P., Bastiaens I., Delay C., Bammens T., Ghillebert R., Pellens K., De Virgilio C., Van
Leuven F. and Winderickx J. (2008) Phosphorylation, lipid raft interaction and traffic of alphasynuclein in a yeast model for Parkinson. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. Molecular Cell
Research 1783: 1767-1780.
5. Mager W.H. and Winderickx J. (2005) Yeast as a model for medical and medicinal research.
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences 26: 265-273.
For a complete list see: http://www.kuleuven.be/bio/funbio or https://lirias.kuleuven.be/cv?u=U0009565
110

LIND Brochure 14102011

Transcription

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