Expertise

-Neuroimaging and neurophysiology expertise in human participants (healthy and patient populations) -Computational modelling of internal representations of knowledge in the human brain - Artificial intelligence for diagnostic use in the Memory Clinic

Technique

-MRI: fMRI, VBM, uni/multivariate analysis, ... -EEG/MEG: ERP, uni/multivariate analysis, ... -Computational models: explicit models of vision and language -Multivariate methods: RSA, SVM, NN, ...

Users

Researchers working with MRI and EMEG data of human participants Cognitive neuroscientists

Keywords

In vivo neuroscience, Neuroinformatics, Neuro mri, Cognitive neurology, Neurocognitive disorders, Artificial intelligence (ai), Neurodegenerative disorders, Computational neuroscience

1) Metabolic and neurochemical analyses 2) Behavioural phenotyping of mouse models and preclinical evaluation of symptomatic and preventive therapeutic interventions in validated transgenic mouse models for Alzheimer's disease 3) Diagnostic reference centre for biomarkers in dementia 4) Scientific consulting 5) Brain banking

Technique

-Apparatus for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in neurological clinical practice -Neuroimaging apparatus: fMRI, MRS, (neuro-activation) SPECT; Pupil assay lab; Updated databases and available patient populations for virtually all fields of clinical neurology; Neurocognitive test instruments : Middelheim Frontality score (MFS) and Emotional Facial Recognition task (EFRT). -Neuromotor abilities: accelerating Jones-Roberts rotarod for mice, Dunham-Miya rotarod for rats and mice, wire suspension test, gait test, stationary beam task, wire suspension test; -Activity and exploration: open field activity and exploration (incl. social) with computerized video-tracking, dark-light transition box with digital counter, computerized registration of cage activity patterns; -Learning tests: step-through box and small animal shocker for active and passive avoidance training, plus-shaped water maze, Morris water maze with computerized video-tracking for hidden and visible escape training, automated operant conditioning chambers with data acquisition software for reward and punishment conditioning protocols, manual conditioning chamber for contextual fear conditioning; -Analysis of behavioural alterations (anxiety, depression, etc.): forced swim test, tail suspension test, sucrose preference task, holeboard, elevated plusmaze -Apparatus for electrographic and evoked potential recording in rats and mice; Neural cell culture room and equipment

Users

- Clinical neuroscientists - Molecular biologists (a.o. geneticists) - Farmaceutical industry - Metabolic-diagnostic departments

Keywords

Hplc, Biomarkers, Amino acid analysis, Behavioural neuroscience, Biogenic amines analysis

Neuroinformatics, computational modeling en neurophysiology.

Technique

Computer simulation of signal transduction or of cells.

Users

- Biotech sector - Farmaceutical companiers

Keywords

Computational models, Neurophysiology, Neuroinformatics

The overall aim of our group is to understand how neuronal circuits form early in development, as well as the processes that lead to malfunction or degeneration of these circuits later in life. Research is conducted in both humans and other model species using a variety of methods including EEG measurements, in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology, HPLC and other molecular biology techniques. The focus is on the brain areas of the hippocampus, cortex as well as the basal ganglia and their role in cognition and motor control.

Technique

Instrumentation (multi-neuron patch-clamp electrophysiology, interface electrophysiology, multi-electrode arrays, silicon probes) and data processing software for in vitro and in vivo molecular, anatomical and neurophysiological investigations.

Users

Neuroscientists

Keywords

Neurobiology, Electrophysiology

Reference Centre for Biological Markers of Dementia (BIODEM).

Technique

Analyses of biochemical markers in cerebrospinal fluid or plasma (ELISA, Luminex xMAP technology).

Users

- Research laboratories - Referring clinicians

Keywords

Neurology, Neurochemical markers, Alzheimer, Neurochemistry, Dementia, Biomarkers

Electrophysiological analysis and Patch clamp.

Technique

- Electrophysiological analysis - Patch clamp

Users

Pharmaceutical industry.

Keywords

Channel gating, Molecular cell biology of ion channels, Stable cell line generation, Patch-clamp

Animal modelling of disorders with neurological symptomatology Cognitive and behavioral alterations in Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders Neurochemical and neuropathological correlates of behavioral alterations In-depth phenotyping of rodent models via assessment of various levels of learning and memory , behavioral alterations (e.g. aggression, circadian rhythm changes, anxiety), motor performance, EEG-based sleep or epilepsy studies. Rodent surgery including stereotactic procedures (non)pharmacological interventions with symptomatic or disease-modifying procedures Behavioral and biochemical biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease in Down syndrome

Technique

- Cognitive and behavioural evaluation in rodents - Pharmacological and non-pharmacological modulation of behavioural alterations - In vivo electrophysiology (sleep, epilepsy) - Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and related disorders - Animal models of neurodegenerative disorders - Surgical and stereotaxic techniques in rodents - Neurochemical and neuropathological correlaten of behavioural alterations and brain functions - Neurophysiology and behavioural neurosciences - Laboratory animal techniques including project design, legislative framework, animal welfare and ethical considerations

Users

Researchers requiring in-depth phenotyping and validation of rodent models including neurochemical and neuropathological correlates, pharmacological interventions and surgical procedures

Keywords

Dementia, Behavioural experiments, Alzheimer dementia, Neurochemistry, Translational neurosciences, Brain ageing, Neurodegenerative brain diseases

Our current research activities are related to the field of neurochemical research in neurodegenerative disorders. As coordinator of the RP-(U)HPLC unit of the Neurochemistry & Behavior lab, we perform neurotransmitter analyses in biofluids and brain material of patients with all types of dementia. Moreover, we have expertise in conducting behavioral research, and correlating these findings with neurotransmitter data. Our current projects are related to Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome, Parkinson-plus syndromes, and frontotemporal dementia/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Our main goals are to (i) identify potential neurochemical biomarkers to facilitate differential diagnosis among these disorders, and (ii) to elucidate the neurochemical pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. Our unit works closely with the neuropathology department of the Institute Born-Bunge, at which a large brain and biofluid biobank is situated. The UHPLC unit also functions as a service facility to analyze neurotransmitter levels in biofluids/brain material of various species. Our current setup is modifiable, to analyze various compounds.

Technique

Neurochemical analytical research; ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (UHPLC-ECD); sample preparation skills; neuropathology; behavioral analytical research; behavioral assessment scales; biobanking; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Users

All neuroscientists who wish to detect neurotransmitter levels in urine, cerebrospinal fluid, brain tissue or serum/plasma, among others: dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, adrenaline, tryptophane, MHPG, DOPAC, 5-HIAA, HVA.

Keywords

Dopaminergic, Noradrenergic, Neuropathology, Neurodegenerative disorders, Behavioural neuroscience, Serotonergic system, Hplc analysis, Biomarkers