Department of Cellular Neurobiology
Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute for Zoology and Anthropology
Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute for Zoology and Anthropology
Dr. Ralf Heinrich
Dept. of Cellular Neurobiology
Schwann-Schleiden Research Center
Julia-Lermontowa-Weg 3
37077 Göttingen
Phone: +49(0)551 / 39177958
Fax: +49(0)551 / 39177952
E-mail: rheinri1@gwdg.de
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.
2) 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.
designed by A. Wirmer