Schmucker Group
The nervous system, like the immune system, needs to generate extraordinary diversity and specificity in molecular recognition. It has been estimated that some 1012 neurons are interconnected by up to 1015 synapses in the human brain. Surprisingly, the human genome contains fewer than 30,000 genes. How is the relative small amount of genetic information utilized to specify […]
Memmesheimer Group
Our research addresses the microscopic, precise spiking dynamics in neural networks, the level of mesoscopic collective dynamics as well as emergent large-scale phenomena such as control and learning of behavior. The long-term aim is a theoretical understanding of the complex dynamics and the resulting computations of neural systems. For this goal, it is essential to […]
Gatto Group
The populations of neurons in the spinal cord are critical for generating innate and conscious behaviors that enable animals to explore the environment, search for food, escape predators, and adapt to difficult situations. We have developed, and will continue to develop, advanced genetic approaches to target specific populations of neurons in the spinal cord and […]
Büschges Group
The research group studies the neural underpinnings of locomotor behavior in animals, i.e. flying, swimming, or walking. Presently, we focus on the generation of terrestrial locomotion, i.e. walking, in insects. In the fruit fly and the stick insect we analyze (a) descending control of initiation and maintenance of walking, (d) role and processing of proprioceptive […]
Bradke Group
Wie wachsen Nervenzellen während ihrer frühen Entwicklungsphase? Und wie lassen sich diese Vorgänge reaktivieren, damit nach einer Rückenmarksverletzung beschädigte Nervenzellen regenerieren (nachwachsen) können? Mit diesen Fragen befassen sich Frank Bradke und sein Team. Dem Skelett der Zelle, auch „Zytoskelett“ genannt, gilt das besondere Interesse der Forscher. Sie konnten nachweisen, dass eine Manipulation des Zytoskeletts mit […]