Chair of Zoology and Animal Physiology

Information

Prof. Dr. Stefanie Schirmeier

We are an international group of researchers that study the metabolism of the central nervous system focusing on carbohydrate uptake and distribution. We are fascinated by the metabolic interactions between different brain cells, supported by the selective transport of nutrients by the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) and their fate. In the past we have generated evidence supporting the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) hypothesis, using the Drosophila model and its powerful genetic tools. Amongst other applications, our research provides insights in neurodegenerative diseases caused by disturbed metabolism.

What we are doing?

We are currently trying to understand which transporters are needed to distribute carbohydrates, lactate and alanine between the different neural cell types. To this end, we analyze transporter expression and specificities in the nervous system. We further aim on understanding how the amounts of carbohydrate taken up from circulation and of lactate/alanine transferred to the neurons are dynamically adapted to the neuronal needs. We use the genetic strength of Drosophila to unravel the underlying regulatory mechanisms that allow neuron-glia communication and modulate nutrient uptake and distribution.