Research

We investigate the perception of environmental signals by biological systems. We focus on the molecular components of sensory systems using light receptors as an example.

Sensory systems of animals are equipped with receptor proteins that detect diverse environmental signals with high specificity. Following activation of receptors, the signal is transduced by a signaling cascade generating a receptor potential across the plasma membrane of the sensory cell.

Our interest is focused on the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for signal detection and transduction at the level of signaling proteins. As a model system, we use photoreceptor cells in the compound eye of Drosophila melanogaster for our research.

Among other proteins and enzymes, we explore the ion channels (TRP channels) which are activated by the signaling cascade and induce the receptor potential.

Basic principles of signal detection and signal processing by these biosensors may be important for understanding eye diseases and also for potential technical applications.