Responsibilities
Max Planck Research Group Leader
Contact
Neural Dynamics and Evolution
Email:
lorenz.fenk@bi.mpg.de
Website:
https://www.bi.mpg.de/fenk-lorenz
Further Information
Keywords:
Behaviour, Biophysics, Circuits, Computation, Dynamics, Evolution, Peception, Sleep
Brief research description:
Our lab aims to identify mechanisms and principles of neural systems function, natural behaviour, and evolution. We choose to study organisms owing to interesting traits and adaptations, their respective position on the phylogenetic tree, and relative simplicity. Leveraging a range of modern tools and methods, we are exploring neural circuit dynamics related to sleep and their role in cognitive processes that underlie flexible behaviour.
Selected publications:
Fenk, L.A., Riquelme, J.L., and Laurent, G. (2024). Central pattern generator control of a vertebrate ultradian sleep rhythm. Nature, in press. 10.1038/s41586-024-08162-w.
Fenk, L.A., Riquelme, J.L., and Laurent, G. (2023). Interhemispheric competition during sleep. Nature 616, 312-318. 10.1038/s41586-023-05827-w.
Norimoto, H. & Fenk, L.A. et al. (2020). A claustrum in reptiles and its role in slow-wave sleep. Nature 578, 413-418. 10.1038/s41586-020-1993-6.
Fenk, L.A., & de Bono, M. (2017). Memory of recent oxygen experience switches pheromone valence in Caenorhabditis elegans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 114, 4195-4200. 10.1073/pnas.1618934114.
Fenk, L. A. & de Bono, M. (2015). Environmental CO2 inhibits Caenorhabditis elegans egg-laying by modulating olfactory neurons and evokes widespread changes in neural activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 112, E3525-3534, doi:10.1073/pnas.1423808112.