Can common molecular principles be derived from sensory processes such as sight, smell, hearing or magnetoreception in birds? These are fundamental questions that the Research Training Group "Molecular basis of sensory biology" will address in future.
Organisms perceive signals from their environment with great precision. Complex cell clusters process them further. What exactly are the cellular and molecular processes involved? And can common molecular principles be derived from sensory processes such as sight, smell, hearing, the magnetoreception of birds or the chemoreception of bacteria? These are fundamental questions that the young scientists in the "Molecular basis of sensory biology" research training group will be investigating in future.
The German Research Foundation (DFG) has now approved the Research Training Group. It will start with twelve doctoral students. The funding period is four and a half years. "The approval is another great success for the University of Oldenburg. The Research Training Group in the field of molecular sensory physiology combines two things that the University of Oldenburg stands for: interdisciplinary research work and the targeted promotion of young scientists," explained University President Prof. Dr Babette Simon.
The aim of all of the Research Training Group's projects is to understand the molecular modes of operation and common principles of sensory systems. Receptor molecules and receptor-mediated signalling pathways are essential for mediating physical and chemical stimuli in sensory cells. Molecular switch mechanisms ensure precise interaction. "If we want to understand the connections at the molecular level, we need interdisciplinary research approaches," emphasises Prof. Dr Karl-Wilhelm Koch, head of the Biochemistry working group and spokesperson for the new Research Training Group.
The Research Training Group brings together both doctoral students and 13 Oldenburg professors from the subjects of biology, chemistry and physics. "We will use cell biology and molecular biology methods in almost all doctoral projects - often in combination with biophysical techniques," says Koch. The range of methods is complemented by bioinformatics and the design and synthesis of special fluorescent dyes. The scholarship holders can thus acquire background knowledge and practical experience with different technologies.
"We expect that physical model systems will contribute to a better understanding of sensory phenomena in organisms," emphasises Koch. In addition, biological systems could inspire the development of new technical systems - for example in biomedicine.
DFG Research Training Groups are institutions at universities that promote young researchers. The aim of the DFG is to qualify doctoral candidates, support their scientific independence and prepare them for the complex "science" labour market. "Molecular basis of sensory biology" is the sixth Research Training Group at the University of Oldenburg to be approved by the DFG.