The research at the Faculty of Medicine of the VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) falls under the cluster of 'Reproductive Genetics and Regenerative Medicine' (REGE).
This comprises seven research groups (*), four of which are connected to the CRG.
(*) Research groups at the VUB are given a four letter acronym.
BITE
See also the
BITE web page
This research group focuses on the biology of the testes.
- We carry out research into freezing, cultivating and transplanting testicular stem cells. We look for a solution for male infertility caused by the loss of stem cells in the testicle (where sperm is made). This could be a treatment to prevent sterility in men who are having/had cancer treatment.
See also www.brusselsoncofertility.be. - We do research into in-vitro spermatogenesis, i.e. the maturation in the laboratory of sperm from stem cells or other progenitor cells.
This is a partnership with national and international partners: Ghent University (Belgium), University Amsterdam (the Netherlands), the Karolinska Institute Stockholm (Sweden), the Hubrecht Institute Utrecht (the Netherlands), the University of Münster (Germany), the University of Edinburgh (Scotland), the Sapienza University of Rome (Italy) and the University of Helsinki (Finland).
FOBI
See also the
FOBI web page
This research group focuses on the biology of the follicle. We do research:
- into in-vitro maturation, i.e. the maturation in the laboratory of immature eggs from the ovary,
- into molecular markers which determined egg quality, and
- into freezing ovarian tissue in patients who are having/had cancer treatment.
This last research is in the field of oncofertility, the branch of medicine that wants to help cancer patients preserve their fertility for after the cancer treatment.
REGE
See also the
REGE web page
REGE is the biggest research group. In this group, clinical and fundamental researchers carry out research into various genetic aspects of human reproduction.
Fundamental research is carried out into embryonic stem cells and the possibilities of using embryonic stem cells for regenerative medicine.
REIM
See also the
REIM web page
This research group focuses on reproduction and implantation in relationship with immunology. Amongst others this group does research:
- into the mechanisms that have a positive or negative effect on the implantation of an embryo in the uterus, and
- into the effect of our immune system on implantation.
The research is carried out in co-operation with a number of international partners such as the University of Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and the University of Warwick (UK).