Andreas Bergmann

The long-term objective of our research is to gain a comprehensive understanding ofAndreasBergmann thegenetic control of apoptosis and cell proliferation, and their connection to human cancer. Apoptosis and cell proliferation are critical for normal development, homeostasis and aging. Inappropriate control is associated with various diseases including cancer and neurodegeneration. We are utilizing the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a genetic model organism. Knowledge obtained in our studies will provide new insights for our understanding of these diseases. A tutorial in the lab will provide a detailed introduction into modern Drosophila techniques with emphasis on visualizing gene activity and cell death in wild-type and various mutant backgrounds, phenotypic analysis, generating transgenic flies and small scale genetic screens. In addition, students will gain experience in basic molecular biology and protein chemistry. The experiments will be aided by state-of-the-art facilities.