Evolutionary neurobiology
We use whole-body connectomics and overlay neuromodulatory networks with single-cell resolution onto synaptic connectomes. We complement this with circuit-wide activity imaging, behaviour, and neurogenetics to study how the sensory environment and the modulatory landscape influence circuit activity. Genome editing and transgenic access to single neurons in Platynereis allow us to link the network output to molecular function at the synapse.
Keywords
Connectomics / ciliated larvae / behaviour / neuropeptides / animal evolution / volume electron microscopy / neural circuits / Platynereis / phototaxis / eye evolution / GPCR evolution