SFB 889:  Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing

Subject Area Biology
Medicine
Term from 2011 to 2022
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 154113120
 

Project Description

Processing of sensory information is the basis of our interaction with the outside world and sensory deficits are a major medical concern and serious burden for public health. CRC 889 takes a multidisciplinary and integrative approach to uncover cellular mechanisms of sensory information processing. Sensory cells and neurons achieve a remarkable performance by employing specialized signaling machineries whose disturbance results in sensory dysfunction. In close collaboration, we study sensory transduction, synaptic transmission, neuronal plasticity, and the function of neuronal networks in sensory systems - from the level of protein complexes to organismal behavior. By combining molecular perturbations, analyses of morphology and function of sensory systems, and mathematical modeling, we aim for a comprehensive understanding of sensory processing and sensory deficits. Using flies, rodents, and non-human primates as model organisms, we compare audition, vision, olfaction, and somatosensation to explore common principles of sensory systems and to decipher specialized mechanisms of sensory processing. Through collaborative research within and beyond CRC 889, we have advanced the understanding of how sensory systems operate and how human sensory deficits arise. Building on the basic science insight we have initiated work towards sensory restoration.
DFG Programme Collaborative Research Centres
International Connection Israel

Completed projects

Applicant Institution Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
Participating University Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Participating Institution Deutsches Primatenzentrum GmbH (DPZ)
Leibniz-Institut für Primatenforschung
; Max-Planck-Institut für Dynamik und Selbstorganisation (MPIDS); Max-Planck-Institut für experimentelle Medizin (aufgelöst)
Spokespersons Professor Dr. Tobias Moser, until 7/2021; Professorin Dr. Nicola Strenzke, since 7/2021