Expertise

Neurogenetics, molecular genetics, neuropathology, clinical neurology, clinical neurophysiology

Technique

molecular genetics, histopathology, clinical neurophysiology

Users

neurologists, neuroscientists, geneticists

Keywords

Neuro muscular diseases, Hereditary neuropathies, Genetic disease, Pathomechanism, Neuropathology

Research on congenital hearing loss in collaboration with the department of Medical Genetics of the University of Antwerp. Research on airway problems and sleep-related breathing disorders in children with Down syndrome in collaboration with the department of Pediatrics at the Antwerp University Hospital. Research on pediatric sleep disordered breathing in collaboration with the department of pediatrics of the Antwerp University Hospital and international collaboration with the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Pediatric Sleep Group.

Technique

sleep endoscopy and direct laryngoscopy polysomnography

Users

pediatricians, ENT surgeons

Keywords

Airway, Hereditary

Dynamic / cyclic loading of mini-samples at low loads and evaluation of dental damage.

Technique

- Flexural fatigue - Micro-shear fatigue - Servo-hydraulic puls fatigue machine for heavy loads

Users

- ENT: study of small hearing bones - Orthopedics: study of fixation material

Keywords

Composites, Dental materials, Fatigue, Forensics, Dentistry, Adhesive agent

My research is currently focused on the role of the Kv7.2 channel in Kv7-related epileptic and developmental encephalopathies.This research involves culturing human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and differentiating them into astrocytes, excitatory cortical neurons or inhibitory neurons. Spontaneous, electrical and drug-induced neuronal activity is recorded with a high-density microelectrode array (MEA). The results of the MEA experiments are analysed with statistical programmes in GraphPad Prism and R script. Molecular biology techniques and RNAseq are part of my current project. During my PhD and first year as a post-doctoral researcher, I focused on the identification of novel Kv7 channels openers to treat Kv7-related disorders and epilepsy. I used secondary cell lines to create Kv7 channel expression models and use them in in vitro fluorometric and colorimetric drug screening assays; I used the whole-cell patch-clamp technique in heterologous expression systems to study the effect of drugs on Kv7 channels. Moreover, I performed the isolation of primary cells (endothelial and astrocytic cells as well as microvessels) from mouse/rat brains. My researcher expertise also includes scientific writing (papers and grants), presenting to a scientific audience, communication to a non-scientific audience a lay version of my work, and mentoring undergraduate students.

Technique

- Primary, secondary and IPS cell cultures - Generation of stable cell lines - Isolation of rat/mouse brain micro vessels, endothelial cells, astrocytes - RNA/DNA/Protein extraction from cells and tissues - Western-blotting - Cloning -RT-, Semiquantitative- and Real Time-PCR - Proliferation/Cell death/Cytotoxicity assays - Heterologous DNA expression techniques - Fluorimetric assays to detect ion channels activity in vitro (FluxOR, FluoaAM) - In vitro electrophysiology (whole-cell patch-clamp, HD MEA)

Users

The groups that can make good use of my experience are: 1. Electrophysiology groups studying the physiological and pathological function of ion channels or networks of electrically active cells/tissues. 2. Pharmacology groups studying ion channels as pharmacological targets 3. Pharmacology research groups interested in drug screening techniques 4. Basic research groups exploring the use of iPSC-derived neurons for the study of physiological and pathophysiological neuronal processes.

Keywords

Drug development, Drug screening, Epileptic encephalopathies, Anticonvulsants, Epilepsy model, Stem cells, Epilepsy gene, Drug research

Epilepsy in children: clinical, genetic and treatment aspects. Fenfluramine as new anticonvulsive treatment. Dravet syndrome: clinical aspects.

Technique

Clinical. We do not do lab examinations.

Users

Expertise in all aspecyts from epilepsies in children.

Keywords

Epilepsy, Child development, Epileptic encephalopathies, Epilepsy gene, Genetics, Anticonvulsants

Neuropathology of human and animal nervous system, immunohistochemistry of nervous system specific proteins, immunodiagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid, enzyme linked immunoassay protein TAU and amyloid-beta, immunoblotting of 14-3-3.

Technique

- Light- and electronenmicroscopy - Histochemistry - Immunohistochemistry - Ultramicrotomy - Immunoblotting - Enzyme linked immunoassay - Chromatographic techniques

Users

- Neuroscientists - Biomedical scientists - Biologists - Veterinarians - Medical doctors

Keywords

Prion disease, Neuropathology, Neurology, Parkinsons disease, Enzymes, Dementia, Immunocytochemistry, Epidemiology, Electron microscopy

Clinical neurology, neurogenetics, molecular genetics, movement disorders, neurodegenerative brain diseases, Parkinson's disease, dystonia, tremor

Technique

clinical research, molecular genetics

Users

Physicians, paramedical professions, neurologists, neuroscientists, geneticists

Keywords

Genotype-phenotype correlation, Parkinsons disease, Neurology, Genetics

Clinical glaucoma studies. Research concerning optic disc, and influence CSV on glaucoma

Technique

OCT visual field fundus exam visual acuity eye pressure

Users

colleagues companies producing glaucoma medication

Keywords

Genetic disease

This research requires the culturing of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and differentiation into excitatory cortical-like neurons. Spontaneous, electrical- and drug-induced neuronal activity is recorded using a high-density microelectrode array (MEA). Outputs of MEA experiments are analyzed with statistical programs in GraphPad Prism and R scripts. Antisense oligonucleotide are designed using online primers design tools including IDT OligoAnalyzer™ Tool and manually curated in SnapGene. Knockdown of hPSC KCNQ2 is measured by SYBRgreen and Taqman probe qPCR. Live imaging hPSC neuron experiments are performed on an Incucyte S3.

Technique

My postdoc research focuses on studying the electrophysiology of a neuronal voltage-gated potassium channel encoded by the gene KCNQ2. Dysfunction of this and related genes cause genetic epilepsy and developmental disorders. My research uses human induced pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) that are differentiated into excitatory cortical-like neurons. I primarily study neuronal network function and screen drugs using a high-density microelectrode array. We are currently investigating the use of antisense oligonucleotides as a tool to study network function/development and as a potential novel therapy.

Users

Those studying networks of electrically active cells/tissue Those studying iPSC-derived neurons Those studying ion channel function and candidacy as drug targets

Keywords

Pharmacology, Electrophysiology, Ion channels

The Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS) focuses on translational research of the anterior segment of the eye using techniques of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. We conduct projects from bench to bed side by a unique combination of clinicians and basic researchers. Our focus is on the ocular surface with research lines on regeneration of the epithelium, stroma and endothelium of the cornea and conjunctiva. The approach is multidisciplinary thanks to local, national and international network connections. Our expertise includes the development and optimization of primary cell isolation and cell culture protocols without using animal products, designing biological and synthetic scaffolds, and testing their biocompatibility. Through our partnerships, we have the opportunity to work with 3D printing, micro-contact printing and with different types of hydrogels. Specifically, we successfully completed a phase I / II study in which limbal corneal epithelial stem cells were expanded ex vivo on an amniotic membrane for transplantation. We are further building on the acquired expertise: we are specifically focused on the development of a conjunctival substitute and smart scaffolds for endothelial transplantation. The latest project concerns cornea-on-chip in which a three-dimensional dynamic tissue environment is created to better model human physiology in a lab environment. The Visual Optics Lab Antwerp (VOLANTIS) studies the optical aspects of the human eye, with special attention to normal and pathological refractive development. To this end, we develop statistical and biomechanical models that innovatively describe normal eye growth, as well as the inter-individual differences that exist in the general population to better understand myopia and other refractive disorders. The unique collaboration between clinicians, optometrists, mathematicians, and physicists has already led to fundamental advances in the early detection of keratoconus and predicting the future course of the disease, allowing individualized treatment to be offered to the patient. Another line of research focuses on how glare from bright lights can affect daily functioning in tasks such as driving a vehicle safely. Finally, research is also being carried out on pediatric cataracts to gain more pathophysiological insight into this developmental disorder and the results of the surgical treatment.

Technique

Argos: cel culture, immunohisto-/cytochemistry, PCR and high throughput live cell imaging. Volantis: prospective and retrospective data collection in the clinic, statistical models and analysis, ray tracing, finite element modeling, machine learning.

Users

Clinicians and researchers involved in ophthalmology, at home and abroad. Specifically for Argos: researchers interested in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Keywords

Optical eye modelling, Corneal regeneration

Dr. Debbie Le Blon is a researcher specialized in regenerative medicine, with a focus on the use of stem cells for tissue repair. Her work is particularly centered on the corneal endothelium, which has a naturally limited regenerative capacity. With her expertise in cell therapy, she aims to contribute to the development of an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) for corneal disorders, thereby improving patients’ vision and quality of life.

Technique

Culture of cell lines, primary tissue and stem cells, stem cell differentiation, cell assays (including ELISA, viability, etc.), immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, image J analysis, mouse experiments (intracerebral injections), cuprizone mouse model, bone marrow replacement

Users

Researchers and companies in the field of ophtalmology, regenerative medicine and ATMP.

Keywords

Regeneration, Biological materials, Stem cells

The genetic epilepsies and epileptic encephalopathies are seizure disorders affecting 1 in every 1000 children, caused by defects in one or more genes. Over two hundred genes have been identified in these disorders, but a specific genetic cause can only be identified in less than half of patients. Our group uses multiple modalities to further identify genetic causes, to establish molecular mechanisms underlying known causes, and to develop potential therapeutic solutions. 1) As contributors to the Epi25 Consortium, we assist in the recruitment, phenotyping, and sequencing of patients with epileptic encephalopathies, as well as the following data analysis. In this Consortium, over 20,000 patients have already undergone whole-exome sequencing, with numerous genetic variants identified, including small substitutions, insertions, deletions, and copy number changes. Our group will add to the compendium of variant information by identifying transposable elements, and conducting burden tests to determine if these elements may also be contributing to epilepsy. Additionally, we are developing a pipeline to conduct linear modeling of rare and common variants in the Epi25 dataset to improve the statistical power of variant burden analysis. 2) We work directly with the epilepsy clinic of UZA to help identify novel genetic causes of epilepsy in patients who lack a molecular diagnosis by conventional means. We are currently analyzing whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing datasets for several dozen patients. 3) Our group has conducted extensive studies of KCNQ2 epileptic encephalopathies. As part of this work, we are performing deep molecular phenotyping (electrophysiology, immunocytology) and transcriptomics (bulk RNAseq, single-cell RNA seq) of iPSC-derived neurons from KCNQ2 patients. We will later expand these techniques to additional epileptic encephalopathies. Specific expertise: Having been trained in statistics, computational genomics, and various DNA/RNA/methylation sequencing pipelines, I will be applying my expertise to the computational aspects of these aforementioned projects.

Technique

Techniques we use in our lab include: - cell-based techniques: derivation of iPSC lines from patient fibroblasts and peripheral blood, and subsequent derivation of neurons and embryoids for in vitro neurogenetic studies - molecular genetics techniques: whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing using short-read sequencing, structural variant analysis using long-read sequencing, and single-cell RNA sequencing - computational biology techniques: for the analysis of sequencing data, I am trained in the application of quality control pipelines and variant calling (SNPs, InDels, STRs, SVs, TEs, CNVs); I apply burden tests, pathway analysis, and linear modeling of rare and common variants against quantitative traits

Users

Groups that may benefit from our lab's work include patients, clinicians, and researchers interested in the genetic basis of epileptic encephalopathy.

Keywords

Medical genomics, Computational methods, Exome sequencing, Epileptic encephalopathies, Epilepsy, Rna sequencing

The expertise of Dr. Sara Op de Beeck is the use of advanced data-analysis techniques in a medical context. Her main expertise is the analysis and processing of data generated during a standard sleep study to predict pathophysiology and treatment outcome in obstructive sleep apnea patients. Furthermore, she has expertise in performing in performing gold standard measurements to assess breathing and collapse in these patients.

Technique

Advanced analysis techniques of sleep studies (polysomnography) using different softwares - Modelling to define pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea using clinically acquired data

Users

Researchers interested in non-invasive endotyping of patients with sleep apnea.

Keywords

Data driven healthcare, Data analysis, Sleep apnea, Computational models, Obstructive sleep apnea

In the coming years the VOLANTIS research group, plans to conduct several studies related to visual optics and ocular biomechanics. Overall, these studies may be grouped into three topics. The first is refractive development and eye modelling, which studies how the eye grows and how this can be described as a mathematical model. Such models will look at e.g. how during eye growth the different components of ocular biometry interact with each other to first bring the eye in focus ('emmetropia') and then maintain this condition as the eye continues to grow. Other studies look at what happens if such a balance is disrupted or how it is accomplished in pathological eyes (e.g. premature infants or infants operated for cataract). Within the European OBERON project, we will also develop a new type of model that combines the biomechanics of the eye with its optical function as a platform for testing new treatments in virtual clinical trials. This 'opto-biomechanical' model will need close interactions with our European partners. The next study topic is keratoconus, a disease that gradually deforms the cornea, leading to a considerable loss in visual quality. Early detection of the disease and its possible progression is very important in its management as it allows the patients to preserve a higher visual quality through timely treatment. To this end, we are working on machine learning systems that can tell ophthalmologists whether an eye has keratoconus and, if so, if it is in a progressive state. Another project looks at improving the popular 'crosslinking' treatment that increases corneal elasticity and stops the progression. To do this, we need to develop corneal elasticity maps that can inform ophthalmologists what areas of the cornea need treatment. Although the current methods to develop such maps are very computationally intensive, we will use new methods that have not yet been tried to speed up this process from several hours to minutes, making it clinically useful. Finally, we will study straylight and dark adaptation, which refers to being blinded by bright lights ('glare') and the time needed to recover afterwards. These phenomena can play a major role in traffic safety as drivers may be blinded by the headlights of oncoming cars. Since it is not yet understood at what level of glare the safety risks for safe driving become too high, we will organize a study to test the effect of a bright light source on performance in a driving simulator in a darkened room. The outcomes of these experiments will later be formulated as advice to legislative authorities to improve traffic safety.

Technique

Clinical eye measurements Eye modelling

Users

Researchers, doctors, journalists

Keywords

Eye modelling, Myopia, Visual optics

My expertise is in biomedical research and clinical innovation, with a strong focus on biobanking and clinical trials. I work on quality standards, digitalization, and patient engagement to better connect research with healthcare applications. In addition, I have experience in evaluating health innovations and start-ups, translating scientific value into practical and sustainable impact in healthcare.

Technique

Her research expertise lies at the intersection of biomedical, clinical, and translational research, with a strong link to biobanking and clinical trials. She focuses on the development, implementation, and coordination of standardized biobanking procedures for sample collection, processing, storage, and quality assurance, combined with the analysis and integration of clinical and molecular data. In clinical research, she oversees the application of statistical evaluation, monitoring, and data processing to strengthen the design and conduct of clinical trials. In translational research, she emphasizes linking biobank data to clinical applications, enabling research findings to be more efficiently translated into diagnostics and therapies.

Users

This expertise is valuable for a broad range of users active at the interface of biomedical research, clinical studies, and innovation. Researchers in biomedical and clinical disciplines can benefit from knowledge in biobanking, quality standards, and translational research. Healthcare institutions and hospitals gain added value through support in the design and conduct of clinical trials. Policymakers and health authorities can draw on this expertise for guidance on quality assurance, patient engagement, and international collaboration. In addition, companies in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medtech, and digital health sectors find added value in the experience with innovation projects, valorization, and evaluation of new technologies. Finally, investment funds and incubators in the health sector can use this expertise to assess the scientific and clinical value of start-ups.

Keywords

Biobank, Clinical trial, Innovations, Health care

Audiological/otoneurophysiologiccal investigations, vestibular testing of semicircular canal function and otolyth function and speech analysis.

Technique

- Otlyth research - Cochlear function testing - MVDP speech and voice analysis

Users

- Farmaceutical inustry - ENT specialists - Otoneurophysiologists - Aerospacial medicine - Sleeplaboratories

Keywords

Balance disorders, Speech, Upper airway, Otophysiological research

The expertise of dr. Bert Van den Bogerd lies within the field of regenerative medicine and developing innovative cell therapies. Specifically, dr. Van den Bogerd has been investigating a new substrate to grow and transplant corneal endothelial cells on, which consist of poly-(D,L)-lactic acid. This development and characterization of this new materials has been done in collaboration with the University of Ghent.

Technique

- Immunocytochemistry - high-throughput live cell imaging - Primary corneal cell culture - Tissue engineering

Users

People who are interested in biomaterials and tissue engineering the anterior segment of the eye are welcome to contact me.

Keywords

Ophthalmic drugs, Corneal regeneration, Advanced materials

My main research topics are related to 1) assessment and treatment of dysphagia in head and neck cancer patients and patients with neurological diseases 2) assessment and treatment of motor speech disorders including training algorithms and neural networks for that purpose 3) assessment and treatment of voice disorders

Technique

- profound experience in multidisciplinary and/or multicenter randomized, controlled trials & prospective cohort studies - thorough experience in prophylactic studies in HNC-patients treated with RT/C - objective measurements of tongue strength & strength of the suprahyoid muscles - instrumental evaluation of swallowing by means of FEES end VFES - instrumental analysis of vocal fold behavior and condition by means of stroboscopy - acoustic analysis of speech and voice - objective analysis of intelligibility - automated analysis of articulatory skills - standardized questionnaires to assess QoL and participation related to voice, swallowing and speech

Users

Our research is direct towards - patients with head and neck cancer treated with CCRT or surgery - patients with neurological diseases - patients with voice disorders - patients with impairments that lead to swallowing, speech or voice disorders - groups that are vulnerable to swallowing disorders (e.g. men/women 65+) - professional (e.g.teachers) and elite (e.g. singers) vocal performers

Keywords

Speech, Swallowing disorders, Motor speech disorders, Communication, Innovations, Experimental study, Voice disorders

Investigating the effect of spaceflight on the brain of astronauts and the effect of vestibular disorders on the brain of vestibular patients.

Technique

vestibular clinical testing brain scans (MRI)

Users

media patients (vestibular) astronauts general audience children & youngsters

Keywords

Human vestibular research, Vestibular, Spaceflight, Aerospace, Brain, Neuroscience, Vestibular system, Otovestibular pathology

Transgenic animal models for hereditary hearing loss and vestibular failure (DFNA9, COCH). Animal models for acquired hearing loss and vestibular failure. Measuring hearing by auditory brainstem recording, startle-reflex and distortion product oto-acoustic emissions. Measuring attention and tinnitus by prepulse-inhibition. Measuring balance by means of behavioral and reflex testing. Clinical audiovestibular evaluation/ Cognitive evaluation by means of the RBANS-H. Spatial navigation by means of the virtual Morris Water Task. Evaluation of tinnitus. Robotic-assisted cochlear implantation. Menière’s disease and bilateral vestibulopathy.

Technique

Rodent auditory brainstem recording and distortion product oto-acoustic emissions to test hearing, behavioral assessment of vestibular function, prepulse inhibition for tinnitus analysis, cochlear dissection. State-of-the-art auditory testing, incl. liminal audiometry, speech audiometry in quiet and in noise, auditory brainstem recording, cortical auditory-evoked (late) potentials, assessment of cognitive function adapted to a potentially hearing-impaired population. -Tinnitus analysis, incl. validated patient reported outcome measures, pitch matching, non-invasieve neuromodulation (hd-tDCS). -Vestibular evaluation, incl. electronystagmography, VEMP, 3D video head impulse testing, video-oculography, balance testing, spatial navigation (virtual Morris water Task).

Users

Translational research into treating or preventing hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction.

Keywords

Gene therapy, Vestibular system, Hearing loss, Cognition, Balance

Breeding and handling of transgenic animal models for hereditary hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. Performing auditory brainstem response and distortion oto-acoustic emission measurements to assess hearing function in rodents. Investigating balance through measurement of the vestibular ocular reflex and observation of reflexes and behavior. Noise exposure in mice. Injection of molecules into the inner ear using the posterior semicircular canal approach in adult mice. Development of gene therapy to tackle hearing and vestibular loss in DFNA9 patients using a new humanized DFNA9 mouse model. Experience in immunohistochemistry (cryosections and whole mount) of the Organ of Corti and the spiral ligament to visualize different cell types, inner ear proteins and inner ear inflammation using specific antibodies. Molecular biology techniques involving RNA/DNA isolation, PCR, sequencing, ....

Technique

Measuring hearing function in rodents using Tucker-Davis Technologies to perform auditory brainstem responses and distortion oto-acoustic emissions. Assessing inner ear inflammation by performing immunohistochemistry of the organ of Corti and the spiral ligament and staining the immune cells using specific antibodies. Injection of molecules into the inner ear via the posterior semicircular canal approach using the Nanoliter 2020 device. Molecular techniques involving RNA/DNA isolation, PCR and sequencing.

Users

Researchers that are interested in the generation and phenotyping of animal models for hereditary hearing loss and vestibular failure. Research into the inflammatory processes in the inner ear of mice.

Keywords

Gene therapy, Dfna9, Otolaryngology, Deafness

The focus of my research group is the elucidation of the molecular basis of genetic epilepsies. State-of-the-art genetic strategies resulted in the identification of several novel disease genes, such as de novo KCNQ2 mutations in neonatal epileptic encephalopathy. Using non-neuronal and iPSC derived neuronal cel models, we further study the effect of mutations on normal gene functioning. We have a close connection with the Neurology department at the UZA Hospital, where the PI is responsible for the epilepsy clinic. In the last years we have grown from a genetic research lab to a lab that works from bed (deep phenotyping of patients) to bench (genetic diagnosis and functional characterization) and back to bedside (therapeutic strategies).

Technique

Gene identification studies, next generation sequencing analysis, disease modelling using iPSC derived 2D and 3D neuronal cultures

Users

Clinicians caring for people with epilepsy, researchers interested in studying effects of variants in epilepsy (candidate) genes, companies interested in developing precision medicine approach for genetic epilepsies

Keywords

Human molecular genetics, Epilepsy, Encephalopathy

Clinical and translational research to better understand and treat neuroimmunological disorders of the central nervous system, including drug-repurposing and cell therapies. Specific expertise in multiple sclerosis (MS), MOGAD, NMOSD, Susac syndrome and other rare inflammatory diseases of the optic nerves, brain and spinal cord.

Technique

Clinical trials design and execution, phase I- phase IV Clinical research (observational, real-world data, qualitative and quantitative analysis) Translational research (diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers) Guidelines

Users

Clinicians, epidemiologists, paramedics, nurses, fundamental researchers, industry

Keywords

Neuroimmunology, Neuroinflammation, Autoimmunity, Neurological diseases, Antibodies, Neuroprotection, Biomarkers, Cell therapy

*Clinical stroke research focusing on prehospital diagnostics (telemedicine), wearables (HRV measurement) and predictors of outcome (gait analysis, DTI imaging techniques). *Participation in international databases and consortia (BEL-FMD, NOAC-ISP, SiFAP) *Prinical investigator / national coordinator for industry-led RCT's (eg. THALES, NAVIGATE-ESUS, ETNA-AF, RESTORE BRAIN, AXIOMATIC-SSP trial).

Technique

*clinical RCT's, Phase II /III/IV *prospective cohortstudies *qualitative research *epidemiological research

Users

*clinical practitioners, stroke physicians, paramedics

Keywords

Vascular research, Stroke, Neuroplasticity, Neurotrauma, Neuronal microcircuits, Neuro mri, Neurosurgery, Neuro-imaging