Our research focuses on the anatomical, neurochemical, and functional analysis of the insect brain. Current projects investigate the anatomical and functional organization of the central complex (locust Schistocerca gregaria), mechanisms of polarization vision and sky compass orientation (Schistocerca gregaria), the organization of the circadian clock (cockroach Leucophaea maderae), and the distribution of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides (various species).

Schachtner Lab

We are interested in ontogeny, plasticity and phylogeny of the olfactory system of insects. Our main focus lies on the antennal lobe, the first integration station for odor information in the brain of the sphinx moth Manduca sexta, the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, and the honeybee Apis mellifera. These model systems are used to examine the involvement of nitric oxide, neuropeptides, biogenic amines, electrical activity, hormonal coordination of the various developmental events, and the influence of pheromone components as well as of general odors on antennal lobe development.

Wegener Lab

Our research group focuses on the characterisation of the cellular and chemical structure of peptidergic systems in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. We aim to understand how the small insect nervous system regulates the activity of peptidergic neurons and the release of peptide hormones. Our studies will help to understand the evolutionary development of peptidergic system in arthropods.