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Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Klein

Director of Department "Molecules - Signaling - Development"

Affiliation

MPI for Biological Intelligence - Department "Molecules - Signaling - Development"

Contact

MPI for Biological Intelligence
Department "Molecules - Signaling - Development"
Am Klopferspitz 18
D-82152 Martinsried

Phone: +49 (89) 8578 - 3151
Fax: +49 (89) 8578 - 3152

Website: https://www.bi.mpg.de/klein

Research Focus

Project description:

The amygdala is a cluster of highly conserved nuclei at the base of the brain, important for appetitive and aversive behaviors. The CeA contains distinct subpopulations of neurons that regulate feeding behavior. Activity of some populations suppress feeding (e.g. Pkδ) while activity of others promote feeding (e.g.Htr2a), depending on the brain regions they project to.

‘CeA Fasting Ensembles’ refer to CeA neurons that have increased activity during fasting.
Investigating brain regions modulated by CeA axons active during fasting, can help elucidate CeA neural circuitry regulating feeding behavior. We identified the parasubthalamic nucleus (PSTN) as a potential area of interest and hypothesized that the increase in inhibitory input from the CeA to the PSTN play an important role in feeding regulation.

Techniques: We use viral tracing, behavior, histology, and electrophysiology to answer the questions related.

Mentor: Christian Peters

Necessary lab skills:

  • Neuroscience background;
  • Previous work with mice at any level (histology, behavior, or electrophysiology, for example).