Sascha Schlüter
PhD Student
Curriculum Vitae
| 2023 – present |
Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz Ph.D. Working title: “The role of lipid physical properties for the multifunctionality of insect cuticular hydrocarbons.” |
| 2019 – 2023 |
RWTH University, Aachen Research Assistant at the spider lab - https://spider.rwth-aachen.de/ M.Sc. thesis: “Nanofibres versus glue – a profound look at spider silk in divergent environments” |
| 2016 – 2019 |
Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz B.Sc. thesis: “Brain molecular changes associated with behavioural transitions |
Research interest
My research interests are driven by a fascination with the web of interactions that define the natural world. Of particular interest to me are interspecific interactions, where the dynamics between different species often prove to be multifaceted. Rather than a series of one-way exchanges, these interactions encompass a multitude of reciprocal actions that establish the balance of ecosystems. It is within the realm of insects that I have found a captivating focus, as cuticular hydrocarbons emerge as key players orchestrating a plethora of interactions. This interest in the multifunctionality of cuticular hydrocarbons has ultimately led to my present research project, which seeks to unravel the mysteries of these molecules and their role in forging the ecological success of insect species.
PhD Project
Insects constitute 75% of all known species on our planet, making them the most abundant and diverse group of animals. A key factor contributing to their ecological success is the presence of a thin film of lipids on the surface of their bodies.
They exhibit a wide range of remarkable adaptations, enabling them to colonize a myriad of environments, traverse diverse surfaces with the help of sticky footpads, and form complex eusocial colonies that rely on chemical communication. Interestingly, all these adaptations are derived from the cuticular lipid layer, yet our understanding of the biology behind it remains limited, as the multifunctionality of cuticular lipids has never been explored.
The cuticular lipid layer is a complex mixture. In individual insects, it can consist of up to 100 different compounds, predominantly hydrocarbons. Thus, the abbreviation CHC, for cuticular hydrocarbons, was introduced. These CHCs are mostly non-polar and encompass a variety of compounds, including n-alkanes, methylated alkanes, alkenes, and alkadienes, while polar hydrocarbons are found in smaller quantities. Additionally, CHCs exhibit varying melting behaviours due to aggregation, suggesting the existence of a phase behaviour that affects the layer's fluidity. Surprisingly, this aspect has received scant attention in scientific research.
The cuticular lipid layer presents a paradox, with its diverse functions requiring conflicting physical properties. For instance, effective waterproofing demands a solid, tightly packed lipid layer, while surface adhesion demands more fluid attributes. Furthermore, the fluidity and volatility of CHCs play a crucial role in communication among social insects.
In my Ph.D. project, we aim to unravel the physical properties of the CHC layer and investigate how these properties influence the myriad biological functions of this remarkable layer. We employ a variety of methods and thus aim to shed light on the fascinating world of cuticular lipid films and their role in the biology and evolution of insects.
Contact
Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution
Sascha Schlüter
Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 15
01.466
55128 Mainz
Tel.: +49 6131 39 27847
Fax: +49 6131 39 27850
Deutschland