"Our mission is to better understand how the brain ages to better diagnose and cure it"
About us
Our research is centered on the study of the brain secretome—the ensemble of proteins, extracellular vesicles, and biomolecules released by the brain and detectable in peripheral biofluids. We view the secretome as a genuine “window” into brain function, offering new perspectives for early diagnosis, longitudinal monitoring, and mechanistic understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, but also of brain aging and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
To address these questions, we pursue a multidimensional and translational strategy that combines:
Omics approaches (proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics) to map the molecular signatures of the secretome.
Cellular and animal models, bridging fundamental mechanisms with clinical observations.
Advanced microscopy, with a particular focus on live imaging of human iPSC-derived cultures, enabling real-time tracking of cellular dynamics and extracellular vesicle release.
In collaboration with the Leenaards Memory Centre and other clinical partners, we integrate these complementary approaches to establish the brain secretome as a central tool for diagnosis and monitoring, bridging fundamental research and clinical practice. This comprehensive vision opens new avenues to better understand brain trajectories across the lifespan and to develop innovative solutions for nervous system disorders.
Decoding the Hidden Language of Brain-Derived Vesicles
One of the major challenges of our research is to decode the signature of brain-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) circulating in the body. These nanoscale messengers, released by neurons and glial cells, transport proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that mirror the brain’s functional state. By analyzing their molecular cargo, we aim to identify biomarkers that can reveal the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, track brain aging, and shed light on neurodevelopmental disorders—using accessible and non-invasive samples such as blood or saliva.
Innovate Early Diagnostic and Stratification Techniques for Dementia
At the core of our research since 2021, in tight collaboration with the Leenaards Memory Centre, we've amassed an extensive dataset and biological samples from dementia patients since 2013. Current projects by Jeanne Espourteille, Aatmika Barve, and Luc Belinga are directed at dissecting symptom heterogeneity and identifying biofluid biomarkers (in saliva and blood) to foresee the subtype and progression of these diseases. We are mainly focused on isolating and characterizing brain-derived extracellular vesicles circulating in the body, a formidable challenge involves distinguishing these vesicles and decoding their contents. In partnership with Nikon Microsystem, we are developing a new solution for the visualization and phenotyping of circulating extracellular vesicles.
Additionally, as part of a Swiss-Cameroon initiative and Luc Belinga's PhD, we explore the utility of circulating biomarkers for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in African populations.