Molecular Microscopy for Brain Research

We are all aware of the amazing complexity of the human brain. Its more than 100 billion nerve cells and even more glia cells (the latter supporting and protecting the nerve cells in many respects) achieve something astounding every day. Many synchronous tasks, for example holding our balance or making a complex decision, have to be managed by the brain’s nerve cells in a matter of seconds. They can only achieve this via a concerted interaction of highly specialized groups of nerve cells integrated into complexly wired networks. Each nerve cell has a clearly defined role to play here and this role is molecularly and genetically determined. The Center for Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CMPB) was established during 2001 and 2002 in order to examine and understand the causes of dysfunctions in such network interactions. It belongs to six [DFG-funded] research centers that have the task of pooling scientific expertise in innovative fields of research. The aim of the Göttingen center is to analyze in detail the molecular processes and interactions taking place in nerve cells, so that treatments for psychiatric, neurological and neurodegenerative diseases are improved and advanced in the long term. Another main research focus is located in the [excellence] cluster “Microscopy at the Nanometer Range”. High-resolution microscopes are necessary to be able to examine molecular processes in cells. The newest innovations, for example STED microscopy, makes it possible for biologists to observe structures in living cells in the nanometer scale of molecules.