Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute for Zoology and Anthropology - Department of Cellular Neurobiology
Major research interests
Vertebrates and invertebrates evolved from common ancestors that already possessed neurons, neurosecretory systems and structured central nervous systems. Though nervous systems of invertebrates are typically less complex than those of vertebrates (especially mammals) they share many molecular and functional characteristics. We study the neural basis of insect behaviors and mechanisms underlying neuroprotection and neuroregeneration in insect nervous systems with an evolutionary perspective.
1)
The cytokine erythropoietin (Epo) mediates neuroprotective and neuroregenerative functions in insects similar to its beneficial effects described in mammals including humans. Similar structural and functional characteristics of the Epo-binding receptors, partly shared transduction pathways that prevent apoptosis and the functional implication in neuroprotective and neuroregenerative processes in both mammalian and insect species suggest that Epo-like signaling was already established in their common ancestors. We study insects, both with in vitro and in vivo approaches, to identify “ancient” Epo-like signals and neuroprotective Epo-receptors and to characterize the beneficial molecular mechanisms mediated by these signalling systems. This “detour through evolutionary history” led to the identfication of cytokine receptor-like factor 3 (CRLF3) as a receptor for human recombinant Epo that mediates anti-apoptotic effects in serum-deprived or hypoxia-exposed insect neurons. CRLF3 belongs to class I helical cytokine receptors that mediate pleiotropic cellular reactions to injury and diverse physiological challenges. It evolved with the eumetazoan nervous system, is highly conserved between insects and vertebrates and typically expressed in various tissues.
2)
Apoptosis plays a major role in development, tissue renewal and the progression of degenerative diseases. Similar molecular players and mechanisms in vertebrates and invertebrates indicated that the complex "mammalian-like" apoptosis regulatory network was already present in early metazoans. Our recent studies identified the pro-apoptotic function of insect acetylcholinesterase as another (previously unreported in invertebrates) shared characteristic between vertebrate and insect apoptosis.
3)
Social behavior is the product of complex interactions between various types of neurons that integrate external sensory information with internal physiological states. We study the regulation of social behaviors by synaptic molecules (e.g. neuroligins, transmitters) and the neurochemical mechanisms of motivational states (mediated by hormones, neuromdulators and transmitters) with a combination of neuroethological, pharmacological, electrophysiological, histochemical and immunocytochemical methods. Most studies focus on sex-specific mating and aggressive behaviors of acoustically communicating grasshoppers and fruit flies
