The Pasterkamp Lab

Neural Circuit Development and Disease

Jeroen Pasterkamp

Associate Professor

Office phone: +31 88 7568831
Lab phone: +31 88 7568837/68894
Fax: +31 88 7569032
Email: r.j.pasterkamp@umcutrecht.nl

Interview

Institute's website

Department's website

NEWS

EMBO meeting on Semaphorins, October 29-31 2013 in Paris, France!!!

New moviestars in Pasterkamp lab! (JoVE 61, 2012)

Every aspect of mature brain function relies on a precisely sculptured neuronal network. This network forms during embryonic and postnatal development when neurons send out processes along predetermined routes to their distant targets. Failure to establish appropriate neuronal connections or changes in existing networks may lead to a variety of neural disorders. The focus of my laboratory is directed towards understanding 1) the signaling events and molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of neuronal connections during development, and 2) the molecular mechanisms underlying the loss of neuronal connectivity during neurodegenerative disease (in particular amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)). Our investigations concentrate on mouse models and humanized cell models (iPS) using an integrated approach involving molecular biology, cell biology, neuroanatomy,(in vivo) functional proteomics, imaging, HC screening, and mouse genetics. Understanding the molecular and cellular basis of neural circuit development will help us to further understand and treat situations of perturbed neuronal connectivity, such as during neurodevelopmental disorders or as a consequence of neural injury or degeneration.

The research group Neural Circuit Development and Disease is embedded in Department Neuroscience and Pharmacology of the University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht and is part of the Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience. The research group also participates in NCU (Neuroscience and Cognition Utrecht) and RMU (Regenerative Medicine Utrecht).