“Espoir en tête” supports brain research at the LCSB

Two research projects led by LCSB researchers have been awarded funds raised by the 2025 edition of “Espoir en tête”. This initiative of the Rotary Clubs of Luxembourg supports brain research since its launch in 2013. This time, the selected projects focus on precision medicine in Parkinson’s disease and on the role of molecules produced by the gut microbiome in neurodegeneration. Yesterday, they were presented during a dedicated event, which was also the opportunity to announce the next edition of “Espoir en tête”.

Exploring mechanisms linking gut microbes to neurodegeneration

Research conducted by the Systems Ecology group at the LCSB, in collaboration with Prof. Ami Bhatt from Stanford University, has recently identified a novel class of small proteins, secreted by gut microbes, that have the potential to prompt the aggregation of human proteins and hence to trigger neurodegeneration. The team’s new project has received 25.000€ to investigate further the role of these microbiome-derived molecules in Parkinson’s disease. It leverages a patented discovery pipeline developed to identify the most relevant molecules and aligns with a recently awarded European Research Council Proof of Concept grant focusing on the biomarker potential of these molecules.

“Back in 2024, the support of ‘Espoir en tête’ allowed us to generate preliminary data and to pursue this new avenue. Now, building on the successful results and thanks to their renewed support, we will go further,” explains Prof. Paul Wilmes, head of the Systems Ecology group. “We will look at specific nerve cells to understand whether the small proteins we discovered can trigger processes that can lead to Parkinson’s disease or other diseases. If our hypothesis is correct, the project could lead to completely new means of diagnosis or treatment.”

Identifying subgroups of patients for precision medicine

A second project, led by Iñigo Yoldi Bergua and Prof. Rejko Krüger, has also been awarded 25.000€. Its objective: Finding Parkinson’s patients who share the same pathological mechanisms and could benefit from a specific therapeutic strategy. Researchers from the Translational Neuroscience group at the LCSB have recently identified patients carrying several changes in genes coding for lysosomes, important parts of the cellular protein degradation machinery. Their project aims to validate that the accumulation of these genetic variants impairs neuronal function and therefore contributes to Parkinson’s disease. They believe that genetic stratification can guide tailored therapeutic strategies, notably by supporting clinical trials focused on emerging lysosome-targeting therapies.

“The support provided by ‘Espoir en tête’ helps us translate scientific findings into concrete progress for people with Parkinson’s disease,” underlines Prof. Rejko Krüger, head of the Translational Neuroscience group. “Our project looks for genetic ‘fingerprints’ that can then be used to identify subgroups of Parkinson’s patients sharing common molecular causes, an important step towards targeted disease-modifying therapies enabling precision medicine.”

“Espoir en tête”, a catalyst for brain research in Luxembourg

Driven by Luxembourg’s Rotary Clubs, the “Espoir en tête” initiative invites the public to attend the premiere of a film while supporting research on brain diseases. Since its launch in Luxembourg, it has raised over 733.000€, funding 22 research projects. It has contributed to scientific careers through significant seed funding, especially for pilot and exploratory studies at early stages of research, often leading to larger grants and scientific publications. “Over the past decade, this support has helped young researchers and teams at the university to grow,” emphasises Philippe Lamesch, head of Office of Fundraising. “We are tremendously grateful for the support researchers have received from Rotary since Norbert Friob launched Espoir en tête, rapidly making it an institution in Luxembourg. It has been an exemplary initiative, demonstrating how philanthropy and scientific research can go hand in hand.”

A dedicated event organised on 10 March provided an opportunity to present the projects supported by “Espoir en tête” and to discuss the importance of research funding. It was also the perfect occasion to announce the next edition: In 2026, “Allez Hëpp Hopp Hopp!”, an animated film mainly produced in Luxembourg, will premiere in Kinepolis Kirchberg and Belval on 19 April. For each cinema ticket sold, €8 will be donated to research in Luxembourg. Buy your ticket now >>