27
Key numbers
40
Scientists
36
PhD students
13
Technicians
Laboratories
Laboratory of Behavioral
Neuroendocrinology
Jacques Balthazart
Laboratory of Developmental
Neuroendocrinology
Jean-Pierre Bourguignon
Laboratory of Developmental
Neurobiology
- Human and experimental neuropatho-
logy group (Manuel Deprez)
- Molecular regulation of inner ear
development and adult neurogenesis
group (Brigitte Malgrange)
- Molecular regulation of neurogenesis
in health and disease group (Laurent
Nguyen)
- Neuronal diferentiation regulation
and subventricular zone biology group
(Bernard Rogister)
- Proteomic approach to astroglial
development and metabolism group
(Pierre Leprince)
Laboratory of Neurophysiology
Vincent Seutin
Laboratory of Axonal Regeneration and
Cephalic Pain
Jean Schoenen, Rachelle Franzen
Laboratory of Cellular and Tissular
Biology
Marc Thiry
Laboratory of Bioenergetics and
Cerebral Excitability
Lucien Bettendorf
GIGA-Neurosciences
Research at the GIGA-Neurosciences spans an impressively diverse array of questions and techniques.
Since its creation in 2009, research at the GIGA-Neurosciences focuses on the cellular and molecular
underpinnings of normal central and peripheral nervous systems development and function. In addition,
researchers at the GIGA-Neurosciences investigate the causes related to the failure of those functions
and particularly in the case of epilepsy, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, autism spectrum disorders,
depression, deafness and sexual orientation and gender identity disorder. GIGA neuroscientists accom-
plish their research goals using a wide range of methods to identify and manipulate the molecular compo-
nents of cells. These approaches involve extensive interdisciplinary skills including expertise in molecular
biology, biochemistry, cell biology, anatomy, behaviour, cellular imaging and electrophysiological recor-
dings and the testing of transgenic animals.
One area in which GIGA-Neurosciences researchers make important scientifc contribution is in the
neuroendocrine and neurochemical mechanisms that mediate the activation and sexual diferentiation
of reproductive behaviour. The study of cellular and molecular facets of post-lesional neuroplasticity
following spinal cord or peripheral nerve injury is another powerful research area at GIGA-neurosciences.
Neurophysiology constitutes a particular strength of the GIGA-Neurosciences. Particularly, researchers
evaluate the role of various ionic channels in the control of the excitability of monoaminergic neurons.
Another specifc area of focus is on understanding the interplay between neuronal bioenergetics, exci-
tability and cell survival. Endocrine disrupting chemicals constitute an important public health issue that
is specifcally addressed at the GIGA-Neurosciences with special emphasis on the pathogenic interaction
between endocrine disrupters and insufcient prenatal nutrition. Finally, an important area of research
in cellular and molecular neuroscience at the GIGA-Neurosciences is focused on the identifcation of
new cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in key developmental processes such as the production
of neurons, inner ear hair cells and glial cells, their diferentiation and their migration in the central and
peripheral nervous system in health an disease.
Robust interactions among GIGA neuroscientists are enhanced by weekly meetings and technical
support is provided by a number of core facilities. Neuroscientists further beneft from collaborations
with colleagues in other GIGA research thematic units, particularly those who excel at understanding cell
and molecular pathways in normal development and diseases.
Contact
Brigitte Malgrange
bmalgrange@ulg.ac.be
+32 4 366 59 05
www.giga.ulg.ac.be/neurosciences