Analysis of the neuronal basis of magnetoreception in an insect model.

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Peter Bräunig, since 11/2013
• Subject Area: Systematics and Morphology (Zoology) ; Sensory and Behavioural Biology
• Term: from 2013 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 233690566

We intend to study the neuronal basis of animal magnetoreception in an insect model system. This is a joint project between my laboratory and two Czech groups. While my Czech partners will perform behavioral, electrophysiological, and molecular experiments, I will analyze the neuroanatomy of the putative magnetic field receptor that is localized in the optic lobe of cockroaches. With a combination of different histological staining techniques and confocal Laser-scanning microscopy we are aiming to describe the neuroarchitecture of the cryptochrome-containing subretinal layer in detail. This region of the optic lobe contains the presumed receptor molecules and has hitherto been poorly investigated. Uniting the expertise and methodological approaches from different fields of biological research will enable us to gain insights into the as yet enigmatic mechanisms of magnetic field detection in animals.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Czech Republic
• Partner Organisation: Czech Science Foundation
• Participating Persons: Professor Dr. Ivo Sauman; Dr. Martin Vacha
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Privatdozent Dr. Rudolf Lösel, until 11/2013