Translational Neurology

Our research

Neurovascular changes are now increasingly recognized as a common denominator of many neurodegenerative disorders. In my group, we examine how microvascular alterations at the blood-brain barrier contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. Our special focus is on pericytes as key players in inflammation and neurodegeneration and potential target cells for brain repair.

Using state-of-the-art techniques, we examine transcriptome and secretome changes of cells at the vascular/brain interface in response to different pathological conditions. Further, we modulate their gene expression and signaling in order to reestablish homeostasis in the toxic microenvironment or to intersect pathological cascades.

As a translational neurologist, Gesine Paul is also working on the implementation of novel preclinical findings by performing phase 1 clinical trials (e.g. growth factors, fetal cells, dopaminergic stem cells) in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Aims

To understand the role of brain pericytes in pathological conditions.
To identify drugable targets at the vascular/brain interface for the development of novel therapies.
To perform clinical trials in Parkinson’s disease using cutting edge neuroprotective or restorative approaches.

Impact

Being a translational group, our vision is to contribute to the discovery and clinical implementation of new therapies for neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and stroke. Therapies that interfere with ongoing neurodegeneration or restore function have the potential to change the life of many affected individuals and their relatives with immense socio-economic impact.

How our research contributes to the goals of MultiPark

Our research is strongly embedded in the research of Multipark and contributes to understanding disease mechanisms in neurodegeneration as well as the development of new targets and thereof therapeutic molecules. The PI, Gesine Paul, is also an active clinical investigator in clinical cell therapy and growth factor trials. Our research addresses the aim of MultiPark's working group 2.