From genes to neuronal networks
Understanding synaptic basis of network dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders
Research lab based in Nijmegen, the Netherlands
research lab based in Nijmegen, Netherlands
“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” - Albert Einstein
“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” - Albert Einstein
“We are who we are because of what we learn and what we remember. We are our synapses” - J. LeDoux
“We are who we are because of what we learn and what we remember. We are our synapses” - J. LeDoux
About the lab
We research neuronal communication to understand neurodevelopmental disorders.
- How do neurons communicate with each other?
- What happens when this communication goes wrong?
Research human cellular models of neurodevelopmental disorders
Understand molecular mechanisms of neuronal communication at synapse and neuronal network level
Collaborative, open science approach
Selected publications
Key research from our lab investigating synaptic mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders.
article
Published in Brain, April 2025
article
Published in Brain, December 2023
article
Published in Molecular Psychiatry, January 2022
review
Published in Autophagy, September 2023
preprint
January 2025
About the team
Led by Nael Nadif Kasri, our lab brings together passionate researchers dedicated to understanding synaptic dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Based in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, we foster a collaborative environment where innovative thinking meets precise scientific methodology.
Job opportunities
Currently no open positions
News from the lab
The latest research findings, tools, and studies emerging from our work.
Dr. Elly Lewerissa, dr. Moritz Negwer and dr. Marina Hommersom successfully defended their thesis.
They presented their work on respectively the role of autophagy in neurodevelopment, the See-through brain and role of CACNA1A in Ataxia,
Dr. Nicky Scheefhals has been awarded an NWO Veni grant by NWO (Dutch Research Council),
With this grant, she will explore the fascinating molecular biology of human synapses, focusing on the role of an intriguing mixed synapse state in brain development and disease.
PhD student Elly Lewerissa was selected as a recipient of the Spring 2025 Leakey Foundation Research Grant.
She will investigate how protein degradation shapes the human brain through evolution.
Prof. dr. Nael Nadif Kasri and Elly Lewerissa have been awarded a grant from the Coalition to Cure CHD2.
They will research how to advance personalized medicine for CHD2-related disorders.
Step into our lab
Explore our research lab at Radboudumc and walk through our workspace in a virtual tour.