Specialization
Focus of research
I investigate how astrocytes, enigmatic supportive brain cells, control the flow of water and ions in the brain. This is a fundamental process that stands at the basis of all neural activity but remains poorly understood. When disrupted, it can lead to severe neurological disease. By studying rare genetic disorders in which brain fluid regulation is disrupted, my research uncovers new principles of brain physiology, with the ultimate aim to develop novel treatment strategies. At Amsterdam UMC, I lead a multidisciplinary team combining genetics, cell biology and neuroscience to explore how brain fluid dynamics are regulated in health and disease.