J. Simon Wiegert, Lab head, ​CV
​
I am interested in the relationship between functional and structural adaptations and long-term stability of neuronal circuits. I am especially focused on the question how synapses contribute to long-term information storage. In the lab, we are tackling this question developing and using optical tools in combination with optical imaging to manipulate and measure hippocampal circuits at various levels ranging from single synapses to neuronal ensembles.  
Joaquín Isaac Hurtado-Zavala, Postdoc
I am dedicated to understand the cellular and molecular mechanism underlying the structural plasticity of dendritic spines, with special interest in hippocampal spiny inhibitory interneurons. I integrate multiple techniques in-vivo and in-vitro (e.g. AAV-mediated trans-gene expression, patch-clamp, optogenetics, 2-photon microscopy, confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry) to interrogate and characterize the synaptic connectivity to defined local and long-range -projecting inhibitory interneurons of the hippocampus.
Andrey Formozov, Postdoc

​I am establishing advanced methods of low-light detection in neurobiology with bioluminescent genetically encoded indicators. I perform measurements in vitro with hippocampal slices and in vivo in freely-behaving animals such as mice and Drosophila larvae (in collaboration with Peter Soba's lab). 
Alexander Dieter, Postdoc

My interest is to learn more about learning: Which internal and external factors are contributing to a successful learning process and finally lead to memory formation? I am combining optogenetic, physiological and behavioral approaches to hopefully get one step closer to the answer.
Mauro Pulin, PhD student
​
My Ph.D. project aims at investigating the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlining rewiring of a defined synaptic circuit triggered by neuronal activity, focusing on dendritic spines in organotypic hippocampal slice preparations. My goal is to understand whether chronically perturbing the activity at identified synapses has an impact on their lifetime.
Silvia Rodriguez-Rozada, PhD student

Shining light into the mysteries of the brain. In the lab I like to keep myself busy characterizing new optogenetic tools for the precise manipulation of neuronal circuits. We have recently developed bistable anion-conducting channelrhodopsisn with a long-lasting conducting state that allows silencing of neurons for many minutes after a short light flash. By combining optogenetics with patch-clamp, two-photon calcium imaging and chronic morphology imaging I investigate functional and structural synaptic plasticity at hippocampal spiny interneurons in organotypic slice cultures. 
Wei Yang, PhD student

I am currently a PhD student in the non-medical PhD Programme at UKE investigating the functional and structural plasticity of hippocampus in vivo under different anesthetics and awake conditions. I am further interested in understanding the neural circuits that mediate motivated behaviors.
Cynthia Rais, PhD student

I am interested in better understanding the relationship between cellular activity and spine dynamics in vivo. Manipulating the activity in the hippocampus thanks to optogenetics tools, I am using two-photon microscopy for in vivo calcium and spine imaging in anesthetized or awake mice in order to follow spines of active neurons in time.
​Patrick Piechocinski, Master student
​
Ever since I started to study biology I have been interested in neuroscience. For my Master Thesis I am characterizing different types of spiny inhibitory neurons in the stratum oriens of the CA1 hippocampal region. For this I will use optogenetic tools together with patch-clamp electrophysiology to understand the synaptic transmission and plasticity of local excitatory connections to CA1 spiny interneurons.
Jiajia Yang, guest scientist

I am interested in the temporal dynamics of dopamine signaling in the hippocampal CA1 network and the contribution of various dopaminergic sources to functional CA1 network connectivity. For this, I am combining two-photon Ca2+ imaging and imaging of dopamine release in the hippocampus of behaving mice.
Stefan Schillemeit, Technical assistant

I take care of everything that just accumulates, especially PCR's, preparing mouse brains for immunhistochemistry, supply, stock-taking, ordering procedures, accounting, helping everybody with everything is needed and sustaining a general good mood   ;-)
​Kathrin Sauter, Technical assistant