The Melzer lab investigates how neuropeptides modulate neuronal circuits on molecular, cellular and behavioral level. Neuropeptides are highly diverse signaling molecules that fine tune many network and behavioral functions in the brain.
We use a broad range of recording techniques, genetic tools and behavioral assays in mice to understand how neuronal processes and network activity are regulated by neuropeptides in vitro and in vivo.
On a molecular and cellular level, our research aims to reveal the molecular, electrophysiological and genetic changes in target cells and how this in turn effects neuronal activity and intercellular communication. Neuropeptides signal through specialized neuropeptidergic receptors that activate diverse intracellular signaling cascades. Our research lab studies the ion channels, synaptic release machinery components and genes involved in the downstream effects of neuropeptidergic signaling. We aim to eventually link these mechanisms to in vivo neuronal activity and behavioral function.
On a behavioral level, we use novel genetic, chemogenetic and optogenetic tools to manipulate neuropeptide signaling in vivo. We target neuropeptides, their receptors or identified signaling components in specific brain areas and cell types to get detailed insights into the mechanistic underpinnings of neuropeptide functions in vivo. Our current research projects focus on neuropeptide functions in anxiety-related behaviors, fear and cognitive functions. To identify correlations between behavioral outcomes and intracellular signaling, we visualize neuropeptide signaling in vivo using bioengineered genetic sensors and photometric recording techniques.
Another line of research in our lab focuses on the development of new tools to study neuropeptide release and signaling, including neuropeptide sensors and CRISPR-Cas9-based knockout tools. These will eventually allow us to get detailed insights into the spatio-temporal patterns of neuropeptide release and signaling in behaving animals.
