Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics
Cells are the fundamental building blocks of all living organisms. Our aim is to acquire novel insights into the structure and function of cells and to decipher the cellular basis for human disease such as cancer and neurological disorders. To achieve this goal we combine the latest methods and technologies in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and microscopy.
Research
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Anna Akhmanova: Cellular DynamicsWe investigate cytoskeletal organization and trafficking processes, which contribute to cell polarization, differentiation, vertebrate development and human disease.
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Casper Hoogenraad: Cell Biology of the NeuronThe primary goal of the lab is to understand how intracellular trafficking underlies neuronal development and synapse function.
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Lukas Kapitein: BiophysicsOur goal is to obtain a physical understanding of the mechanisms by which cells establish and maintain their precise shape and intracellular organization.
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Paul van Bergen en Henegouwen: Molecular OncologyOur goal is to develop novel technologies for the diagnosis, molecular imaging and targeted therapy of cancer. In our research we make use of single domain antibodies (VHH or nanobodies).
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Esther de Graaff: Molecular NeurodevelopmentWe study the functioning of the brain during development and in adult life focusing on genetic malformations and autoimmune antibodies targeting neuronal proteins.
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Corette Wierenga: NeurophysiologyThe strength and number of synapses are adjusted by experience. We study how the changes in excitatory and inhibitory synapses are coordinated to balance the two opposing forces.
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Maarten Kole: Axonal SignallingOur group aims to understand how axons generate and conduct electrical impulses by investigating the properties and functions of its axonal domains and the myelin sheaths.
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Jan Andries Post: Cellular Electron MicroscopyTo gain insight into cellular functioning, we apply and develop novel visualization approaches such as correlative Light-Electron Microscopy and 3D-Electron Microscopy.
