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 groups
Anna Akhmanova: Cellular DynamicsWe investigate cytoskeletal organization and trafficking processes, which contribute to cell polarization, differentiation, vertebrate development and human disease.
Casper Hoogenraad: Molecular NeuroscienceThe primary goal of the lab is to understand how intracellular protein trafficking underlies neuronal development and function.
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. We focus on the cytoskeleton.
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.
Florian Berger: Theoretical BiophysicsAll forms of life display a variety of active processes on different length scales. We develop biophysical descriptions to understand how these active processes mediate the flow of energy and matter to self-organize cellular order and function.
Agathe Chaigne: Cell division dynamicsWe aim at understanding how the fundamental mechanisms of cell division can control fate transitions, with a developmental and evolutionary perspective. We are particularly interested in the last step of cell division, abscission, which is the final cut between the sister cells.
Ginny Farías: Neuronal Organelle DynamicsThe goal of our lab is to understand the molecular mechanisms by which organelles are organized within neurons, and how organelle organization and networking contributes to neuronal development and function.
Martin Harterink: C. elegans neurobiologyOur goal is to understand the mechanisms that shape and organize neurons in vivo, using the C. elegans model system and advanced imaging techniques.
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.
Harold MacGillavry: Synapse organizationThe goal of our lab is to understand the dynamic molecular processes at synapses that control neuronal signaling.
Sabrina Oliveira: Molecular Targeted TherapiesWe develop improved therapies that are directed to relevant molecular targets. We are currently focused on using nanobodies to render photodynamic therapy of cancer more selective.
Frederik Verweij: Extracellular Vesicle BiologyWe study various facets of extracellular vesicle biology; from biogenesis to function. We do so by combining the development of smart molecular tools and transparent zebrafish in vivo model systems with state-of-the-art (live) imaging techniques.
Corette Wierenga: Synaptic PhysiologyThe 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.
