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CARSTEN DUCH Associate Professor PhD, Free University of Berlin Send e-mail to Carsten.duch@asu.edu

Development and function of central neurons

Understanding an adaptive and learning computing system such as the brain requires an understanding of the functions and computations performed by its basic components, the individual neurons. Towards this goal we want to unravel the roles of single neuron properties for behaviorally adequate brain function. Our current research focuses on the functions of dendritic structure, sub-neuronal distribution of synapses and membrane conductances for network output.

In parallel to analyzing the functional properties of neurons we want to understand the mechanisms controlling the development of behaviorally important single neuron properties. To this end we currently focus on the role of intrinsic and synaptic activity for dendritic structure, synapse distribution, and membrane channel expression.

To address these questions we use holometabolous insects such as Drosophila melanogaster and Manduca sexta as model systems to combine a blend of neuroanatomical, imaging, electrophysiological, genetic, biochemical and computational techniques.

Selected Publications

Evers JF, Muench D, Duch C (2006) Developmental relocation of presynaptic terminals along distinct types of dendritic filopodia. Dev Biol May 19; [Epub ahead of print].

Kiehn O, Büschges A, Duch C, Grillner S, Isa T, Lansner T, Pflüger H-J, Richter DW, Sillar KT, Smith J, Sparks DL (2006) Microcircuits in Motor Systems. In: S. Grillner, ed. Microcircuits: the interface between neurons and global brain function. 2005. Dahlem Workshop Report 93. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, in press.

Börner J , Puschmann T, Duch C (2006) A steroid hormone affects sodium channel expression in Manduca central neurons. Cell Tissue Res 325:175-87.

Burkert P, Duch C (2006) Developmental changes of CaMKII localization, activity and function during postembryonic CNS remodeling in Manduca sexta. Eur J Nurosci 23:335-349.

Evers JF, Schmitt S, Scholz M, Duch C (2005) New frontiers in functional neuroanatomy: precise automatic reconstruction from confocal image stacks. J Neurophysiol 93:2331-2342.

Duch C, Mentel T (2004) Activity affects dendritic shape and synapse elimination during steroid induced dendritic regression in Manduca sexta. J Neurosci 24:9826-9837.

Schmitt S, Evers JF, Scholz M, Duch C, Obermayer K (2004) New methods for the computer assisted 3D reconstruction of neurons from confocal image stacks. Neuroimage 23:1283-1298.

Pflueger HJ, Duch C, Heidel E (2004) Neuromodulatory octopaminergic neurons and their functions during insect motor behaviour. The Ernst Florey memory lecture. Acta Biol Hung 55:3-12.

Libersat F, Duch C (2004) Cellular and molecular mechanisms of the maturation of neuronal dendritic trees. Mol Neurobiol 29:303-320.

Duch C, Mentel T (2003) Motoneuron terminal retraction and outgrowth depend on stage-specific activity patterns during the metamorphosis of Manduca sexta. European J Neurosci 17:1-18.

Mentel T, Duch C, Müller U, Stypa H, Wegener G, Pflueger HJ (2003) Fuel selection in locust flight muscle by the activity of central modulatory neurons. J Neurosci 15:1109-1113.

Duch C, Levine RB (2002) Changes of calcium signaling during postembryonic dendritic growth in Manduca sexta. J Neurophysiol 87:1415-1425.

Libersat F, Duch C (2002) Morphometric analysis of dendritic remodeling in an identified motoneuron during postembryonic development. J Comp Neurol 450:153-166.

Bayline RJ, Duch C, Levine RB (2001) Nerve-muscle interactions regulate motor terminal growth and myoblast distribution during muscle development. Dev Biol 231:348-363.

Duch C, Bayline RJ, Levine RB (2000) Development of the DLM flight motor system in Manduca sexta. J Comp Neurol 422:1-17.

Duch C, Levine RB (2000) Remodeling of membrane properties and dendritic architecture accompany the postembryonic conversion of a 'slow' into a 'fast' motoneuron. J Neurosci 20:6950-6961.

Pflueger HJ, Duch C (2000) The functional role for octopaminergic neurons in insect motor behavior. Acta Biol Hung 51:343-348.

Consoulas C, Duch C, Bayline RJ, Levine RB (2000) Behavioral transformations during metamorphosis: remodeling of neural and motor systems. Brain Res Bulletin 53:571-583.

Duch C, Mentel T, Pflueger HJ (1999) Distribution and activation of different types of octopaminergic DUM neurons in the locust. J Comp Neurol 403:119-134.

Duch C, Pflueger HJ (1999) DUM neurons in locust flight: a model system for amine mediated peripheral adjustments to a central motor program. J Comp Physiol A 184:489-499.

Morris OT, Duch C, Stevenson PA (1999) Reflex activation of locust octopaminergic modulatory neurons by proprioreceptors responsive to flight muscle contractions. J Exp Biol 202:3555-3564.

Baudoux S, Duch C, Morris OT (1998) Coupling of efferent neuromodulatory neurons to rhythmical leg motor activity in the locust. J Neurophysiol 79:361-370.

Duch C, Pflueger HJ (1995) Motor patterns for horizontal and upside down walking and vertical climbing in the locust. J Exp Biol 198:1963-1976.