Circadian plasticity at synapses of Drosophila melanogaster (A05)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2013 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 208233609

The aim of this project is to obtain a deeper mechanistic understanding of the interplay between the circadian cycle and synaptic plasticity. We will investigate how mechanisms of circadian cycling modulate the molecular organisation of synapses, whether this relationship is reciprocal in that synaptic proteins also determine properties of the circadian clock, and how mechanical stimuli as a non-canonical Zeitgeber are integrated into the circadian network to modulate synaptic plasticity and shape behaviour.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1047: Insect Timing: Mechanisms, Plasticity and Interactions
• Applicant Institution: Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Robert J. Kittel; Professor Dr. Tobias Langenhan