Joris Winderickx

Joris Winderickx is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Sciences, KU Leuven, where he leads research in the Department of Molecular Biotechnology of Plants and Microorganisms. He is also a member of the KU Leuven Brain Institute, contributing to interdisciplinary neuroscience research. His work bridges molecular biology, cell signaling, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.

Professor Winderickx's research focuses on understanding fundamental cellular processes using yeast as a model system, with particular emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases. His laboratory investigates protein aggregation phenomena related to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, studying how proteins like Tau and α-synuclein affect cellular homeostasis. His team examines critical cellular mechanisms including calcium signaling, pH regulation, organelle contact sites, and nutrient-sensing pathways. The research has significant implications for understanding the molecular basis of neurodegeneration and identifying potential therapeutic targets.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on the intersection of cellular physiology and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. The work shows consistent emphasis on using yeast models to unravel complex protein aggregation phenomena, with particular attention to how disruptions in calcium homeostasis, organelle communication, and signaling pathways contribute to neurodegeneration. The research trajectory indicates increasing sophistication in modeling human disease processes in simple eukaryotic systems.

Professor Winderickx actively supervises graduate students and leads multiple research projects funded by competitive grants. His current projects include studies on Tau protein conformation and oligomerization for Alzheimer's disease diagnostics and therapeutics, investigation of membrane contacts in α-synuclein toxicity for Parkinson's disease, and research on calcium and pH homeostasis in yeast models. His laboratory serves as an important hub for interdisciplinary research connecting molecular biology, neuroscience, and biotechnology.