About Us
Our research aims at characterizing physiological mechanisms that control eating and energy balance and their disturbances. We use rats and mice in a translational, integrative and systemic approach comprising all levels of scientific analysis, from the molecular through the cellular level to the behavior in an intact organism. The ultimate aim is to identify potential targets for the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities in humans.
Schematic of important factors/mechanisms that control eating. Topics of our research are marked in red.
In teaching, we aim at increasing students' basic understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of man and animals. A particular emphasis is on eating- and nutrition-related aspects, i.e. on the complex relationships between food, eating, and the functioning, or malfunctioning, of major organ systems.