West Michigan Neurodegenerative Diseases (MiND) Program
Overview
Van Andel Institute’s West Michigan Neurodegenerative Diseases (MiND) Program is a collaborative effort to identify genetic and epigenetic changes that may play roles in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and dementias. Our goal? To move the needle in our understanding of these diseases, power new discoveries and leverage our findings to inform groundbreaking treatment strategies.
The program is led by Darren Moore, Ph.D., chair of VAI’s Department of Neurodegenerative Science.
Questions? Please contact MiND Program Manager Erin Williams, Ph.D., at erin.williams@vai.org.
The fingerprints of diseases such as Parkinson’s and dementias may be found in our DNA, in molecules related to cellular signaling or in the proteins that carry out every function in our bodies. In the NeuroGenomes Project, VAI scientists seek to sleuth out these vital clues by analyzing patient samples from West Michigan in search of molecular changes that signal disease. The results of this initiative could provide critical insights into the roots of neurodegeneration within the West Michigan community.
These vital samples include blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid. They will be stored in the MiND Biorepository, which will be housed in the Institute’s accredited Biorepository. Informed consent is obtained through our clinical partners. Donors remain anonymous.
This important work would not be possible without the selfless sample donations and support of people in the West Michigan community.
We are pleased to collaborate with Corewell Health, Mercy Health and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services on this project.
For clinical questions, please contact VAI’s Translational Research Project Management Team at trpm@vai.org.
Team
Darren Moore, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science; Director, MiND Program; Jay Van Andel Endowed Chair in Parkinson’s Disease Research
Molecular Neurodegeneration
Laurent Roybon, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science; Director, MiND iPSC Program
Patient-Based Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Gerhard (Gerry) Coetzee, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science; Director, MiND NeuroGenomes Project
Post-GWAS Functionality
Michael Henderson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science; Director, VAI Brain Bank
Protein Pathologies and Genetic Risk in Neurodegeneration
Jamie Durst, B.S.
Senior Administrative Assistant II, Department of Neurodegenerative Science
Olivia Licari
Research Technician, MiND Program
Erin Williams, Ph.D.
Research Program Manager, MiND
Our Impact
We're raising thousands to save millions
We’re turning hope into action for the millions of people around the world affected by diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s. Find out how you can help us make a difference.
- 121 peer-reviewed papers published in 2023
- 62 peer-reviewed papers published in high-impact journals in 2023
- 55 clinical trials launched to date