Im Zentrum meines Forschungsinteresses steht die aminerge Signaltransduktion bei Insekten und anderen Arthropoden. Dabei werden verschiedene „Modellorganismen“ untersucht: Die staatenbildende Honigbiene, Apis mellifera, eignet sich ideal für Untersuchungen zur Kontrolle und Modulation von Lernvorgängen sowie der Arbeitsteilung durch biogene Amine. Bei der Wüstenheuschrecke sind biogene Amine an der Regulation des Übergangs von der sesshaften zur Wanderphase beteiligt. An den Speicheldrüsen von Fliegen und Schaben wird untersucht, wie biogene Amine die exokrine Sekretion modulieren.
Publikationen
Blenau, W., Bremer, A. S., Schwietz, Y., Friedrich, D., Ragionieri, L., Predel, R., Balfanz, S. & Baumann, A. (2022). PaOctβ2R: Identification and functional Characterization of an octopamine receptor activating adenylyl cyclase activity in the American cockroach Periplaneta americana. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 23(3), 1677.
Blenau, W., Wilms, J. A., Balfanz, S. & Baumann, A. (2020). AmOctα2R: Functional characterization of a honeybee octopamine receptor inhibiting adenylyl cyclase activity. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 21(24), 9334.
Heimbach, F., Gao, Z., Blenau, W. & Ratte, H.-T. (2018). Large-scale monitoring of effects of clothianidin-dressed oilseed rape seeds on pollinating insects in Northern Germany: justification of study design and statistical analysis. Ecotoxicology 27, 8-11.
Blenau, W., Balfanz, S. & Baumann, A. (2017). PeaTAR1B: Characterization of a second type 1 tyramine receptor of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 18, 2279.
Blenau, W., Stöppler, D., Balfanz, S., Thamm, M. & Baumann, A. (2017). Dm5‑HT2B: Pharmacological characterization of the 5th serotonin receptor subtype of Drosophila melanogaster. Front. Syst. Neurosci. 11, 28.
Reim, T., Balfanz, S., Baumann, A., Blenau, W., Thamm, M. & Scheiner, R. (2017). AmTAR2: Functional characterization of a honeybee tyramine receptor stimulating adenylyl cyclase activity. Insect. Biochem. Mol. Biol. 80, 91-100.
Rolke, D., Fuchs, S., Grünewald, B., Gao, Z. & Blenau, W. (2016). Large-scale monitoring of effects of clothianidin-dressed oilseed rape seeds on pollinating insects in Northern Germany: effects on honey hees (Apis mellifera). Ecotoxicology 25, 1648-1665.
Rolke, D., Persigehl, M., Peters, B., Sterk, G. & Blenau, W. (2016). Large-scale monitoring of effects of clothianidin-dressed oilseed rape seeds on pollinating insects in Northern Germany: residues of clothianidin in pollen, nectar and honey. Ecotoxicology 25, 1691-1701.
Richter, K. N., Rolke, D., Blenau, W. & Baumann, O. (2016). Secretory cells in the honeybee hypopharyngeal gland: polarized organization and age-dependent dynamics of the plasma membrane. Cell Tissue Res. 366, 163-174.
Benoit, J. B., Adelman, Z. N., Reinhardt, K., Dolan, A., Jennings, E. C., Szuter, E. M., Hagan, R. W., Gujar, H., Shukla, J., Zhu, F., Mohan, M., Nelson, D. R., Rosendale, A., Derst, C., Resnik, V., Wernig, S., Menegazzi, P., Wegener, C., Peschel, N., Jacob, M. J. M., Blenau, W., Predel, R., Johnston, P., Ioannidis, P., Waterhouse, R. M., Nauen, R., Schorn, C., Ott, M.-C., Maiwald, F., Johnston, J. S., Gondhalekar, A. D., Scharf, M. E., Peterson, B. F., Raje, K. J., Hottel, B. A., Armisén, D., Crumière, A. J. J., Refki, P. N., Santos, M. E., Sghaier, E., Viala, S., Khila, A., Ahn, S.-J., Poelchau, M., Childers, C., Lee, C.-Y., Lin, H., Hughes, D. S. T., Duncan, E. J., Murali, S. C., Qu, J., Dugan, S., Lee, S. L., Chao, H., Dinh, H., Han, Y., Doddapaneni, H., Worley, K. C., Muzny, D. M., Wheeler, D., Panfilio, K., Vargas Jentzsch, I. M., Vargo, E. L., Booth, W., Friedrich, M., Porter, M. L., Jones, J. W., Mittapalli, O., Zhao, C, Zhou, J.-J., Evans, J. D., Attardo, G. M., Robertson, H. M., Zdobnov, E. M., Ribeiro, J. M. C., Gibbs, R. A., Werren, J. H., Palli, S. R., Schal, C. & Richards, S. (2016). Unique features of a global human ectoparasite identified through sequencing of the bed bug genome. Nat. Commun. 7, 10165.
Gorshkov, V., Blenau, W., Koeniger, G., Römpp, A., Vilcinskas, A. & Spengler, B. (2015). Investigation of protein and peptide composition of male accessory glands of Apis mellifera drones by mass spectrometry. PLoS One 10, e0125068.
Bogen, O., Bender, O., Löwe, J., Blenau, W., Thevis, B., Schröder, W., Margolis, R. U., Levine, J. D. & Hucho, F. (2015). Neuronally produced versican V2 renders C-fiber nociceptors IB4-positive. J. Neurochem. 134, 147-155.
Blankenburg, S., Balfanz, S., Hayashi, Y., Shigenobu, S., Miura, T., Baumann, O., Baumann, A. & Blenau, W. (2015). Cockroach GABAB receptor subtypes: molecular characterization, pharmacological properties and tissue distribution. Neuropharmacology 88, 134-144.
Valesky, E., Blenau, W., Kaufmann, R., Meissner, M. & Kippenberger, S. (2015). Conducting a sting challenge test with a live insect as part of the therapy control. Allergologie 38, 133-140.
French, A., Simcock, K., Rolke, D., Gartside, S. E., Blenau, W. & Wright, G. A. (2014). The role of serotonin in feeding and gut contractions in the honeybee. J. Insect Physiol. 61, 8-15.
Troppmann, B., Balfanz, S., Krach, C., Baumann, A. & Blenau, W. (2014). Characterization of an invertebrate-type dopamine receptor of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 15, 629-653.
Thamm, M., Rolke, D., Jordan, N., Schiffer, C., Baumann, A. & Blenau, W. (2013). Function and distribution of 5-HT2receptors in the honeybee (Apis mellifera). PLoS One 8, e82407.
Reim, T., Thamm, M., Rolke, D., Blenau, W. & Scheiner, R. (2013). Suitability of three common reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in honey bees. Apidologie 44, 342-350.
Röser, C., Jordan, N., Balfanz, S., Baumann, A., Walz, B., Baumann, O. & Blenau, W. (2012). Molecular and pharmacological characterization of serotonin 5‑HT2α and 5‑HT7 receptors in the salivary glands of the blowfly Calliphora vicina. PLoS One 7, e49459.
Heindorff, K., Blenau, W., Walz, B. & Baumann, O. (2012). Characterization of a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent AC1 adenylyl cyclase in a non-neuronal tissue, the blowfly salivary gland. Cell Calcium 52, 103-112.
Blenau, W., Rademacher, E. & Baumann, A. (2012). Plant essential oils and formamidines as insecticides/acaricides. What are the molecular targets? Apidologie 43, 334-347.
Schewe, B., Blenau, W. & Walz, B. (2012). Intracellular pH regulation in unstimulated Calliphora salivary glands is Na+-dependent and requires V-ATPase activity. J. Exp. Biol. 215, 1337-1345.
Blenau, W. & Thamm, M. (2011). Distribution of serotonin (5‑HT) and its receptors in the insect brain with focus on the mushroom bodies. Lessons from Drosophila melanogaster and Apis mellifera. Arthropod Struct. Dev. 40, 381-394.
Verlinden, H., Vleugels, R., Marchal, E., Badisco, L., Tobback, J., Pflüger, H.-J., Blenau, W. & Vanden Broeck, J. (2010) The cloning, phylogenetic relationship and distribution pattern of two new putative GPCR-type octopamine receptors in the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria). J. Insect Physiol. 56, 868-875.
Verlinden, H., Vleugels, R., Marchal, E., Badisco, L., Pflüger, H.-J., Blenau, W. & Vanden Broeck, J. (2010). The role of octopamine in locusts and other arthropods. J. Insect Physiol. 56, 854-867.
Thamm, M., Balfanz, S., Scheiner, R., Baumann, A. & Blenau, W. (2010). Characterization of the 5-HT1A receptor of the honeybee (Apis mellifera) and involvement of serotonin in phototactic behavior. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 67, 2467–2479.
Troppmann, B., Balfanz, S., Baumann, A. & Blenau, W. (2010). Inverse agonist and neutral antagonist actions of synthetic compounds at an insect 5-HT1 receptor. Br. J. Pharmacol. 159, 1450-1462.
Rotte, C., Krach, C., Balfanz, S., Baumann, A., Walz, B. & Blenau, W. (2009). Molecular characterization and localization of the first tyramine receptor of the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). Neuroscience 162, 1120-1133.
Voss, M., Blenau, W., Walz, B. & Baumann O. (2009). V-ATPase deactivation in blowfly salivary glands is mediated by protein phosphatase 2C. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 71, 130-138.
Rotte, C., Witte, J., Blenau, W., Baumann, O. & Walz, B. (2009). Source, topography and excitatory effects of GABAergic innervation in cockroach salivary glands. J. Exp. Biol. 212, 126-136.
Rein, J., Voss, M., Blenau, W., Walz, B. & Baumann, O. (2008). Hormone-induced assembly and activation of V-ATPase in blowfly salivary glands is mediated by protein kinase A. Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol. 294, C56-C65.
Troppmann, B., Walz, B. & Blenau, W. (2007). Pharmacology of serotonin-induced salivary secretion in Periplaneta americana. J. Insect Physiol. 53, 774-781.
Walz, B., Baumann, O., Krach, C., Baumann, A. & Blenau, W. (2006). The aminergic control of cockroach salivary glands. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 62, 141-152.
Hauser, F., Cazzamali, G., Williamson, M., Blenau, W. & Grimmelikhuijzen, C. J. P. (2006). A review of neurohormone GPCRs present in the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster and the honey bee Apis mellifera. Prog. Neurobiol. 80, 1-19.
Schlenstedt, J., Balfanz, S., Baumann, A. & Blenau, W. (2006). Am5‑HT7: molecular and pharmacological characterization of the first serotonin receptor of the honeybee (Apis mellifera). J. Neurochem. 98, 1985-1996.
Scheiner, R., Baumann, A. & Blenau, W. (2006). Aminergic control and modulation of honeybee behaviour. Curr. Neuropharmacol. 4, 259-276.
Rietdorf, K., Blenau, W. & Walz, B. (2005). Protein secretion in cockroach salivary glands requires both, an increase in Ca2+ and cAMP concentrations. J. Insect Physiol. 51, 1083-1091.
Blenau, W. & Baumann, A. (2005). Molecular characterization of the ebony gene from the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 59, 184-195.
Blenau, W. (2005). Cellular actions of biogenic amines. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 59, 99-102.
Mustard, J. A., Kurshan, P. T., Hamilton, I. S., Blenau, W. & Mercer A. R. (2005). Developmental expression of a tyramine receptor gene in the brain of the honey bee, Apis mellifera. J. Comp. Neurol. 483, 66-75.
Marg, S., Walz, B. & Blenau, W. (2004). The effects of dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists on the secretory rate of cockroach (Periplaneta americana) salivary glands. J. Insect Physiol. 50, 821-830.
Blenau, W. & Baumann, A. (2003). Aminergic signal transduction in invertebrates: focus on tyramine and octopamine receptors. Recent Research Developments in Neurochemistry 6, 225-240.
Grohmann, L., Blenau, W., Erber, J., Ebert, P. R., Strünker, T. & Baumann, A. (2003). Molecular and functional characterization of an octopamine receptor from honeybee (Apis mellifera) brain. J. Neurochem. 86, 725-735.
Mustard, J. A., Blenau, W., Hamilton, I. S., Ward, V. K., Ebert, P. R. & Mercer A. R. (2003). Analysis of two D1-like dopamine receptors from the honey bee Apis mellifera reveals agonist-independent activity. Mol. Brain Res. 113, 67-77.
Scheiner, R., Plückhahn, S., Öney, B., Blenau, W. & Erber, J. (2002). Behavioural pharmacology of octopamine, tyramine and dopamine in honey bees. Behav. Brain Res. 136, 545-553.
Blenau, W. & Baumann, A. (2001). Molecular and pharmacological properties of insect biogenic amine receptors: Lessons from Drosophila melanogaster and Apis mellifera. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 48, 13-38.
Blenau, W., Balfanz, S. & Baumann, A. (2000). Amtyr1: characterization of a gene from honeybee (Apis mellifera) brain encoding a functional tyramine receptor. J. Neurochem. 74, 900-908.
Blenau, W., Schmidt, M., Faensen, D. & Schürmann, F.-W. (1999). Neurons with dopamine-like immunoreactivity target the mushroom body Kenyon cell somata in the brain of some hymenopteran insects. Int. J. Insect Morphol. Embryol. 28, 203-210.
Blenau, W. & Erber, J. (1998). Behavioural pharmacology of dopamine, serotonin and putative aminergic ligands in the mushroom bodies of the honeybee (Apis mellifera). Behav. Brain Res. 96, 115-124.
Blenau, W., Erber, J. & Baumann, A. (1998). Characterization of a dopamine D1 receptor from Apis mellifera: cloning, functional expression, pharmacology, and mRNA localization in the brain. J. Neurochem. 70, 15-23.
Blenau, W., May, T. & Erber, J. (1995). Characterization of [3H]LSD binding to a serotonin-sensitive site in honeybee (Apis mellifera) brain. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 112B, 377-384.
Blenau, W., May, T. & Erber, J. (1995). Characterization of a dopamine-sensitive [3H]LSD binding site in honeybee (Apis mellifera) brain. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 110C, 197-205.
Binas, B., Spitzer, E., Zschiesche, W., Erdmann, B., Kurtz, A., Müller, T., Niemann, C., Blenau, W. & Grosse, R. (1992). Hormonal induction of functional differentiation and mammary derived growth inhibitor expression in cultured mouse mammary gland explants. In Vitro Cell. Dev. Biol. 28A, 625-634.
Blenau, W. & Baumann, A., Volume Editors (2015). Serotonin Receptor Technologies, Walz, W., Series Editor, NEUROMETHODS, Vol. 95, Humana Press.
Blankenburg, S., Balfanz, S., Baumann, A. & Blenau, W. (2017). Subunit-specific modulatory functions are conserved in a chimeric insect GABAB receptor. In: A. D. Gross, Y. Ozoe & J. R. Coats (Eds.) Advances in Agrochemicals: G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) and Ion Channels as Targets for Pest Control. Volume 2: GPCRs and Ion Channels. Oxford University Press, Oxford. ACS Symposium Series 1265, 85-107.
Blenau, W. & Baumann, A. (2016). Octopaminergic and tyraminergic signaling in honeybee (Apis mellifera) brain: behavioral, pharmacological and molecular aspects. In: T. Farooqui & A. Farooqui (Eds.) Trace Amines and Neurological Disorders: Potential Mechanisms and Risk Factors. Elsevier, 203-219.
Blenau, W., Thamm, M. & Baumann, A. (2013). Serotonin in insects: distribution, biosynthesis, uptake, inactivation, receptors, functions, and implications for human health. In: F. S. Hall (Ed.) Serotonin: Biosynthesis, Regulation and Health Implications. NOVA Publishers, New York, 1-26.
Baumann, A., Blenau, W. & Erber, J. (2009). Biogenic amines. In: V. H. Resh & R. T. Cardé (Eds.) Encyclopedia of Insects. Second edition. Academic Press, San Diego, 79-81.
Baumann, A., Blenau, W. & Erber, J. (2003). Biogenic amines. In: V. H. Resh & R. T. Cardé (Eds.) Encyclopedia of Insects. First edition. Academic Press, San Diego, 91-94.