Prof. Joachim Wittbrodt Entwicklungsbiologie/-physiologie

The Wittbrodt lab is studying neuronal cell proliferation and differentiation in the developing, growing and regenerating retina and brain of fish (zebrafish, medaka) as well as in retinal organoids. We combine genetic, molecular, cell biological and mechanical approaches with advanced imaging approaches to decipher the basic mechanisms that govern the balance of cell proliferation and differentiation of neuronal stem and progenitor cells.

We have always invested the development of novel genetic and imaging tools and establishment of resources to improve visualization and manipulate processes in vivo. To idenfity and address the role of key genes in retinal development, growth and regeneration we initially focussed on the level of the population (tissue, organ). However, we soon realized that the function of genes are best understood, when analysed on the level of the individual cell in the context of the population. Scaling that insight, we have established the Medaka Imbred Kiyosu-Karlsruhe (MIKK) Panel in collaboration with the groups of Kiyoshi Naruse and Felix Loosli. Additionally, we established the resources for systematic quantitative analyses, with a focus on high resolution morphometrics, the heart, pharmacogenomics, stem cells and regeneration as well as behavioural analyses and gene-environment interactions.