Behavioural Neurophysiology – Cellular mechanisms of odour processing

Andreas Schäfer Dept. of Beahvioural Neurophysiology MPI for Medical Research Jahnstr.29 69120 Heidelberg and Functional Neuroanatomy of Behaviour Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology INF 307 69120 Heidelberg Phone:  +49-6221-486-408 Fax.:  +49-6221-486-459 Email 1:  schaefer@mpimf-heidelberg.mpg.de Email 2:  a.schaefer@uni-heidelberg.de Website:  http://www.ana.uni-heidelberg.de/english/resarch-groups/schaefer-group.html

Research Summary

Our aim is to understand how complex behaviour emerges from the properties of molecules, cells and ensembles of cells. The model employed is the olfactory system of mice. Thus, we modify specific brain areas using transgenic mice, pharmacological tools or targeted virus injections. We then probe how these specific modifications alter neural networks in vivo and in vitro ultimately performing quantitative behavioural tasks.
Combining these genetic, physiological and behavioural techniques with computational modelling approaches we aim to elucidate the cellular basis of olfactory behaviour and ultimately more general complex behaviours.

Structure of the Group