Title:
Developmental and adult neuronal plasticity in the brain of social insects
Project management at the University of Würzburg:
Participating scientists:
Abstract: Environmental and internal influences on structural plasticity in neurons and synaptic circuits in the developing and adult brain and their impact on brain function, behavior and social interactions are a most fascinating and important area in brain research. The genetic homogeneity in social insects together with a rich diversity in behavior provides excellent model systems for studies on neuronal plasticity in these groups of insects.
Social insects (honey bee and various ant species) are used as model systems to investigate environmental influences on developmental and adult neuronal plasticity in the brain. Postembryonic neuro-metamorphosis in holometabolous insects is one of the most striking examples of neuronal plasticity. During pupal metamorphosis the nervous system is completely remodeled to accommodate drastic changes in sensory equipment and motor systems. Social insects are excellent models because of their high genetic homogeneity on one side and a rich behavioral diversity on the other side. Neuroanatomical (immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy), neurophysiological (electrophysiology, optical imaging) and molecular tools are employed to investigate environmental as well as caste-, age-, sex and status-specific effects on brain structure and function.
With rapid progress in genomic programs (especially in the honey bee) and molecular techniques we plan to extend our studies to investigations on environmentally or sensory induced changes in gene expression within subregions of the insect brain.
Key words:
Brain
Nervous System
Neuronal Plasticity
Confocal Microscopy
Projekt period: since 03.2002
Funding institution:
DFG
Publications: