Projects
Mapping the cell-surface molecule repertoires patterning hippocampal CA1 border interneuron connectivity KU Leuven
The proper function of neural circuits depends on precise patterns of connectivity between excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Each neuronal cell type expresses a distinct combination of cell-surface molecules (CSMs) important for specifying its pattern of connectivity. Dissecting how cell type-specific CSM repertoires determine the connectivity pattern of each neuron remains a major challenge, especially for interneurons that provide the ...
Mapping the cell-surface molecule repertoires patterning hippocampal CA1 border interneuron connectivity KU Leuven
The proper function of neural circuits depends on precise patterns of connectivity between excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Each neuronal cell type expresses a distinct combination of cell-surface molecules (CSMs) important for specifying its pattern of connectivity. Dissecting how cell type-specific CSM repertoires determine the connectivity pattern of each neuron remains a major challenge, especially for interneurons that provide the ...
Optogenetic interrogation of the role of interneuron subtypes in age-dependent visual cortex plasticity in mice KU Leuven
The intrinsic capacity of the mammalian brain to recover from lesions early in life gradually loses strength and impact on brain function with age. Ocular dominance plasticity is one of the best studied examples of experience- and age-dependent modifications of visual cortical circuitry. Several interventions like dark exposure and GABAA receptor antagonist treatment have revealed how inhibitory synaptic transmission imposes limitations on ...
The development of a robust and safe anticancer therapy based on TNF and interferon Ghent University
The anticancer activity of a TNF and IFNg combination is well known, but the toxicity of the treatment is problematic. In this project, we investigate if we can find a solution to this dilemma.
Development and Specification of Cortical Layer 1 Microcircuits KU Leuven
Learning, attention, and fine motor movement are all complex tasks that require key brain circuits to compute multiple sensory information, gate the relevant signals internally, and finally create feedback loops to constantly adjust output pathways. In the mammalian neocortex, layer 1 (L1) interneurons are central to these circuits, where highly diverse populations of interneurons receive specific inputs from different synaptic partners to ...
Functional role of Protocadherin10 in murine brain development KU Leuven
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of debilitating neurodevelopmental disorders that affect millions of patients world-wide. ASD is hypothesized to arise from a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors that impact the structure and function of the developing brain. A potential cause of the disease pathophysiology is a disrupted excitation/inhibition balance in the central nervous system stemming from abnormal ...