Kiel University

The focus of our research lies on the evolution of vertebrates. Fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals have evolved over millions of years to survive challenging conditions. This lead to a tremendous number of different species (biodiversity), but also resulted in a wide morphological variety (disparity). Physically different habitats, such as the transition from a life in water to a life on land, imposed manifold pressures on the organisms. These dramatic differences of the respective environment require adaptations in the structure and function of the organismal body.

The interaction of antigen-specific T and B cells is key for an effective adaptive immune response. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are the T cell subset that provide B cell assistance during the germinal center reaction. Tfh cells are the prerequisite for the generation of high-affinity memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells. Therefore, manipulation of the Tfh response is of particular clinical interest for aiding in the generation of protective antibodies during vaccination or for eliminating harmful antibodies in autoimmune diseases and allergies [1].

The scientific focus of the IMPS relates to basic studies in the field of neuropsychobiology and behavioral medicine on learning and memory processes and information processing in the brain, especially in the areas of pain, addiction, psychotraumatology and across the lifespan (longitudinal cohort studies). At the institute, we also work with digital survey methods such as smartphone and tablet-based apps and virtual reality and are concerned with the evaluation of large longitudinal data sets from cohort studies.

Bacteria are found everywhere: in clouds and raindrops, on tree leaves, in soil and oceans, on and in our body. Unlike eukaryotes, bacterial evolution comprises both vertical and horizontal components. Recombination at the species level plays a role in selective sweeps through the population, while inter-species lateral gene transfer (LGT) has important implications to microbial adaptation and evolutionary transformations. In our research we study molecular and genome evolution of microbial genomes.