Head of the section: Prof. Matthijs Verhage
FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS
Understanding Gene Function in Chemical Signal Transduction between Brain Cells
The section Functional Genomics (FGA) performs fundamental and translational research on regulated secretion of chemical signals in the brain synapses, the contact points between nerve cells in the brain.
FGA is embedded within the department of Human Genetics Amsterdam UMC (location De Boelelaan) as well as the Vrije Universiteit (Life Sciences) and is rooted in the research institute Amsterdam Neuroscience.
“Functional Genomics studies the presynaptic nerve terminal in health & disease.” – Prof. Matthijs Verhage
Molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration
We study the ’presynaptic nerve terminal’ in health and disease to contribute to the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders associated with dysregulation of synapses, especially SNARE-opathies, and Tau-opathies, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Outreach and dissemination
We love to share our work and insights with society. We have produced short films on brain myths and the Virtual Brain Experience, that allows you to see the brain from within. We also collaborate with the ‘Museumnacht’ and explain our science to lay people, school children, patients and their caretakers, and clinicians.
For more information, see our website.
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