Welcome Lukas

Lukas Genbrugge is a PhD student in the FunGen lab since October 2024. His research aims to increase our understanding of the relationship between human neurodevelopment and the choroid plexus, a critical brain region involved in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and the blood-CSF barrier.

To delve deeper into this connection, he employs choroid plexus organoids and by analysing their transcriptome and 3D genome, he aims to unravel the underlying mechanisms. Specifically, he is investigating the neurodevelopmental disorder SMARCB1-related intellectual disability with choroid plexus hyperplasia (ID-CPH). This condition is caused by a specific genetic variant in the SMARCB1 gene. Furthermore, his research will explore the potential therapeutic benefits of bumetanide in modulating choroid plexus function and addressing SMARCB1-related ID-CPH. His work promises to shed light on the complex interplay between early neurodevelopment and choroid plexus function, potentially leading to novel therapeutic strategies.

His research interests include neuroscience, genetics, and bioinformatics. In particular, Lukas finds it important to gain a dual skillset in both laboratory techniques and bioinformatical strategies with the aim of becoming a bridge between these two areas.

In his spare time, Lukas enjoys playing board games, hiking in nature (or the urban jungle), and watching films.