Research in the laboratory attempts to define pathogenic cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in synucleiopathies, in particular Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy, and Alzheimer's disease. To this aim, we generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from patients, which we utilize to understand cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous processes that lead to neuronal damage. By generating iPSCs from patients suffering familial and idiopathic forms of the diseases, we aim to elucidate causative mechanisms leading to neural cell dysfunction, and neurodegeneration. Our cutting-edge approach will allow for the identification of new molecular targets, which could be used for the development of new diagnostic tools for early diagnosis, as well as for the stratification and recruitment of patients for future clinical trials.