In collaboration with Dr. Benjamin Altenhein and Prof. Gerd Technau (Institute of Genetics), we are starting to analyse the function of some of the above molecules in glial development and function.
Although Drosophila has far fewer glial cells than vertebrates and does not synthesise myelin, many of the molecules we are studying in the mouse have homologues in Drosophila. We hope to use the elegant genetic tools in Drosophila to understand conserved mechanisms of glial function such as migration, axonal ensheathement and neuroprotection.
Funding
DFG Graduate College Neurobiology