An integrated approach towards understanding the pathogenesis of CNS and PNS disorders.

The research activity in the research excellence centre NEURO focuses on molecular genetics and clinical neurology of neurodegenerative diseases comprising diseases of the central nervous system such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis and related diseases; and of the peripheral nervous system such as motor- and/or sensory neuropathies and related disorders. The centre brings together basic and clinical researchers from the Department of Molecular Genetics, VIB, and the Institute Born Bunge, representing two major neuroresearch activities at the University of Antwerp. The general aim of the excellence centre aims at clarifying a series of fundamental questions related to the pathophysiological processes underlying neurodegenerative diseases. More specifically, the elucidation of biological disease pathways by identifying novel genes and genetic risk factors and modifiers of genetic function, by analysing the functional networks in which proteins encoded by these genes are operating, and ultimately, by providing novel avenues for early diagnosis, prognosis, prevention and treatment.

Keywords:NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES, PARKINSONS DISEASE, FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA, ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE, NEUROCHEMISTRY, NEUROGENETICS, BIOTECHNOLOGY, BEHAVIOURAL NEUROSCIENCE

Disciplines:Genetics, Systems biology, Molecular and cell biology, Neurosciences, Biological and physiological psychology, Cognitive science and intelligent systems, Developmental psychology and ageing