VIB is an independent research institute that translates insights in biology into impactful innovations for society. Collaborating with the five Flemish universities, it conducts research in plant biology, cancer, neuroscience, microbiology, inflammatory diseases, artificial intelligence and more. VIB connects science with entrepreneurship and stimulates the growth of the Flemish biotech ecosystem. The institute contributes to solutions for societal challenges such as new methods for diagnostics and treatments, as well as innovations for agriculture. Learn more at www.vib.be.

VIB is an independent research institute that translates insights in biology into impactful innovations for society. Collaborating with the five...

Explore the fascinating science of the brain

VIB is een onafhankelijk onderzoeksinstituut dat inzichten in de biologie vertaalt naar impactvolle innovaties voor de samenleving. Het werkt samen met de vijf Vlaamse universiteiten en diverse partners in de biotechsector en doet onderzoek in plantenbiologie, kanker, neurowetenschap, microbiologie, ontstekingsziekten, artificiële intelligentie en meer. VIB verbindt wetenschap met ondernemerschap en stimuleert zo de groei van de Vlaamse biotech. Het instituut draagt bij aan oplossingen voor maatschappelijke uitdagingen, zoals nieuwe methoden voor diagnose en behandeling en landbouwinnovaties. Meer info op www.vib.be. 

VIB is een onafhankelijk onderzoeksinstituut dat inzichten in de biologie vertaalt naar impactvolle innovaties voor de samenleving. Het werkt...

Joran Lauwers

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Human-specific genes regulate key gene mutated in autism spectrum disorders 

Scientists discover unexpected link between genes involved in human brain evolution and developmental disorders

Leuven, 14 October 2024 - The human brain’s remarkably prolonged development is unique among mammals and is thought to contribute to our advanced learning abilities. Disruptions in this process may explain certain neurodevelopmental diseases. Now, a team of researchers led by Prof. Pierre Vanderhaeghen (VIB-KU Leuven), together with scientists of Columbia University and Ecole Normale Supérieure, has discovered a link between two genes present only in human DNA and a key gene called SYNGAP1, which is mutated in intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. Their study, published in Neuron, provides a surprisingly direct link between human brain evolution and neurodevelopmental disorders.

A team of scientists led by Prof. Patrik Verstreken (VIB-KU Leuven) has identified a new genetic mutation that may cause a form of early-onset Parkinsonism. The mutation, located in a gene called SGIP1, was discovered in an Arab family with a history of Parkinson's symptoms that began at a young age. The study reveals that this mutation affects how brain cells communicate, providing new insights into the disease's development and potential treatment strategies.

New mutation linked to early-onset Parkinsonism

A team of scientists led by Prof. Patrik Verstreken (VIB-KU Leuven) has identified a new genetic mutation that may cause a form of early-onset...

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons. The average life span after diagnosis is two to five years. A collaborative research effort led by the team of Prof. Ludo Van Den Bosch (VIB-KU Leuven) now revealed a potential new therapeutic target for ALS. The study, published in Cell Reports, shows that downregulating a specific enzyme, EGLN2, protects motor neurons and mitigates ALS symptoms in different animal models.

Researchers identify new potential therapeutic target for ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons. The average life span after diagnosis...

Leuven, 7 August 2024—The mechanisms underlying intellectual disabilities or autism remain largely unknown. Researchers in the labs of Prof. Pierre Vanderhaeghen and Prof. Vincent Bonin at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research and NERF have discovered that mutations in a gene called SYNGAP1 disrupt the prolonged development of human neurons, which is thought to be essential for normal cognitive function. Their work has interesting implications for our understanding and treatment development for intellectual disabilities or autism and appears in Neuron.

When faster is not better: New study links premature development of human neurons to brain developmental disorders 

Leuven, 7 August 2024—The mechanisms underlying intellectual disabilities or autism remain largely unknown. Researchers in the labs of Prof...

Leuven, 18 June 2024 - Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains one of the most challenging and prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, affecting millions worldwide. In two recent studies, researchers led by Prof. Lucía Chávez Gutiérrez (VIB-KU Leuven), Prof. William Mobley (UCSD, USA), and Prof. Carsten Hopf (CeMOS, Mannheim, Germany) shed light on the role of toxic protein fragments and plaque composition in AD, offering valuable insights for future research and potential treatments.

Researchers unravel complexities of Alzheimer’s disease in protein fragments and plaque diversity

Leuven, 18 June 2024 - Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains one of the most challenging and prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, affecting millions...

Leuven, 14 June 2024 - Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are two devastating neurodegenerative diseases. Scientists have long suspected a protein called FUS might play a role, but the exact mechanism remained a mystery. A new study by the lab of Prof. Sandrine Da Cruz published in Molecular Neurodegeneration reveals how the FUS protein behaves in these diseases, which is crucial for potential therapeutic interventions.

Study reveals key protein’s role in ALS and frontotemporal dementia

Leuven, 14 June 2024 - Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are two devastating neurodegenerative diseases. ...

Leuven, 4 June 2024 - Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a group of heritable disorders that affect the peripheral nerves, is marked by specific genetic changes. Research by the team of Prof. Ludo Van Den Bosch (VIB-KU Leuven) now reveals the effects of one such genetic cause. They found that the duplication of the gene PMP22 causes problems in the cell membrane of Schwann cells that provide the insulating cover for nerves. The results appeared in the journal Brain.

The importance of a disturbed lipid metabolism in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Leuven, 4 June 2024 - Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a group of heritable disorders that affect the peripheral nerves, is marked by specific...

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The World Health Organization predicts a tripling of cases by 2050, highlighting the urgent need for new treatments. Microglia, the immune cells of the brain, express many gene variants that increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The labs of Renzo Mancuso (VIB-Center for Molecular Neurology), and Bart De Strooper (VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research), in collaboration with Janssen Pharmaceutica, now show how antisense nucleotides can target these cells in the brain. Their work appeared in the journal Molecular Neurodegeneration.

Targeting microglia in the fight against Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The World Health...

Leuven, 22 April 2024 - On Monday, 22nd April, Princess Astrid visited the lab of Prof. Ludo Van Den Bosch and Prof. Philip Van Damme at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research. In 2023, Ludo was awarded the Generet Prize for his research on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This prize, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, carries a grant of 1 million euros, making it the most prestigious award for rare disease research in Belgium and Europe.

Princess Astrid visits the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research

Leuven, 22 April 2024 - On Monday, 22nd April, Princess Astrid visited the lab of Prof. Ludo Van Den Bosch and Prof. Philip Van Damme at the ...

APP-CTFs disrupt organellar communication, interfering with cellular homeostasis

New mechanism uncovered in early stages of Alzheimer's disease

Leuven, 16 April 2024 – Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains one of the most challenging and prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. In a new study published in Developmental Cell, researchers from the lab of Wim Annaert (VIB-KU Leuven) have identified a novel mechanism potentially connected to the early stages of AD. They demonstrated that a fragment of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), called APP-CTF, disrupts communication between cellular compartments crucial for calcium storage and waste disposal, which could be an early event preceding neuronal cell death. These findings, with potential implications for the development of new AD treatments, suggest that preventing APP-CTF accumulation needs to be taken into account to develop more effective treatments.

New research unveils how spinal cord nerve cells can learn and remember—completely independent of the brain 

Wired to learn and remember 

Leuven, 11 April 2024 — The role of the spinal cord is often simplified to that of a simple relay station, carrying messages between the brain and the body. However, the spinal cord can actually learn and remember movements on its own. A team of researchers at the Leuven-based Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders (NERF) details how two different neuronal populations enable the spinal cord to adapt and recall learned behavior in a way that is completely independent of the brain. These remarkable findings, published today in Science, shed new light on how spinal circuits might contribute to mastering and automating movement. The insights could prove relevant in the rehabilitation of people with spinal injuries.

Ghent (Belgium), 4 April – Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease that affects millions worldwide. Now, a groundbreaking clinical study conducted by researchers at Ghent University Hospital, VIB, and Ghent University has demonstrated the potential of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to improve symptoms in patients with PD. This research, published in eClinicalMedicine, provides promising evidence that FMT could be a valuable new treatment for this debilitating disorder.

Stool transplant shows promise for Parkinson's disease

Ghent (Belgium), 4 April – Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease that affects millions worldwide. Now, a groundbreaking...

Neuroscience