Department of
Evolutionary Developmental Genetics

Head development & evolution

We seek to understand the formation of the insect head from pattern formation to morphogenesis. These data provide insights into some long standing zoological question concerning the arthropod head and its evolution.
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Brain development & evolution

We want to identify the cellular and genetic mechanisms that underly the evolution of the astonishing diversity of insect brains. Further, we identify the genetic signals specifying neural stem cells of the brain. We focus on the central complex as model.
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RNAi in pest control

RNAi is a novel approach for pest control, which is eco-friendly and species-specific. We identified the most effective target genes in a genome-wide screen. Currently, we aim at enhancing the design of the target sequence. Our results are used by companies.
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Insect functional genomics

We expand the power of our model system by developing novel tools. We established genome wide RNAi screening tools, which are now easy and cost effective. Transgenic tools for misexpression, spatio-temporal restriction of RNAi and marking of homologous neurons using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing allow us to study gene function more thoroughly. Finally, we provide the community with the iBeetle-Base - the central database for gene function of Tribolium.