Introduction to the InnerEarLab

The InnerEarLab explores sensory processing in the inner ear during normal and impaired function. A common focus of the groups in the InnerEarLab is on sensory encoding in the inner ear by specialized synapses the hair cell ribbon synapses. We combine various techniques for studying the molecular anatomy and physiology of these synapses. The group of Carolin Wichmann studies the molecular ultrastructure of synapses using light and electron microscopy. The group of Tobias Moser uses patch-clamp, optical methods, and biophysical modeling to study structure and function of hair cell ribbon synapses and the endbulb of Held synapse in the cochlear nucleus. The group of Tina Pangršič Vilfan studies the molecular and cellular basis of noise-induced hearing loss as well as vestibular neurotransmission. The group of Nicola Strenzke studies auditory systems physiology at the single neuron and population levels. The group of Christian Vogl explores the development of inner hair cell ribbon synapses. The Beutner group studies middle ear mechanics using contact-free measurements by laser-doppler vibrometer. Thomas Effertz with his group studies the molecular function of mechano-electrical transduction. The Moser and Strenzke groups also work on establishing optogenetic stimulation of the auditory nerve as a tool for auditory research and improved hearing restoration by cochlear implants, which is also a focus of the work of the Wrobel group, who additionally work on the recovery of the damaged auditory nerve. The Beutner, Moser, and Strenzke groups also perform clinical research.

News


Groups

Prof. Dirk Beutner
Dirk Beutner

Middle Ear
Dr. Thomas Effertz
Thomas Effertz

Mechano-Electrical-Transduction in the Inner Ear
Dr. Christian Goßler
Christian Goßler

Optics Modules Research
Dr. Lukasz Jablonski
Lukasz Jablonski

Computational Neuroscience and Neuroengineering
Dr. Marcus Jeschke
Marcus Jeschke

Cognitive Hearing in Primates
Dr. Kathrin Kusch
Kathrin Kusch

Functional Auditory Genomics
Prof. Dr. Tobias Moser
Tobias Moser

Molecular Anatomy, Physiology,
and Pathology of Sound Coding and Prosthetics
Prof. Dr. Tina Pangršič
Tina Pangršič

Synaptic Physiology of Mammalian Vestibular Hair Cells
Prof. Nicola Strenzke
Nicola Strenzke

Auditory Systems Physiology
Dr. Barbara Vona
Barbara Vona

Hearing Genomics
Prof. Dr. Carolin Wichmann
Carolin Wichmann

Molecular Architecture of Synapses
Dr. Christian Wrobel
Christian Wrobel

Methods to Recover Hearing and Their Clinical Translation

Related Institutions


BCCN
MBExC Multiscale Bioimaging Cluster of Ecellence
BIN
DPZ
Institute for Auditory Neuroscience
Max Planck Institut for Biophysical Chemistry
Department of Otolaryngology
SFB889
Sensory and Motor Neuroscience
Universitätsmedizin Göttingen