M. Kittelmann

Evolution of compound eye morphology underlies differences in vision between closely related Drosophila species

This study compares vision differences between Drosophila species by analyzing eye morphology and optical parameters, finding D. mauritiana has higher contrast sensitivity while D. simulans has higher spatial acuity.

Evolution of the ribbon-like organization of the Golgi apparatus in animal cells

This study investigates the evolutionary origin of the Golgi ribbon in animal cells, identifies a molecular mechanism for its formation, and suggests its role in development.

Syncytial nerve net in a ctenophore sheds new light on the early evolution of nervous systems

The paper uses electron microscopy to show that ctenophore nerve nets form syncytia, challenging the neuron doctrine and supporting an alternative nervous system evolution model.

Sexual morph specialisation in a trioecious nematode balances opposing selective forces.

This study shows that selfing and outcrossing sexual morphs in Auanema freiburgensis are specialised for distinct life cycle roles, balancing opposing selective forces and enabling stable coexistence.

The unique neuronal structure and neuropeptide repertoire in the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi shed light on the evolution of animal nervous systems

This study identifies unique neuropeptides and neuronal structures in ctenophores, supporting the hypothesis of independent neuronal evolution.

Heterochrony in orthodenticle expression is associated with ommatidial size variation between Drosophila species

This study identifies differential timing of orthodenticle (otd) expression as a mechanism underlying ommatidial size variation between Drosophila species.

Characterization of the genetic architecture underlying eye size variation within Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans

This study identifies genetic factors underlying eye size variation in Drosophila species, showing that eye size and inter-ocular distance are genetically decoupled and influenced by different genomic regions.

tartan underlies the evolution of male Drosophila genital morphology

This paper identifies the gene tartan as responsible for evolutionary differences in male Drosophila genital morphology between D. mauritiana and D. simulans.

The Odd One Out: Arabidopsis Reticulon 20 Has A Role In Lipid Biosynthesis

This study identifies Arabidopsis reticulon 20 as involved in lipid biosynthesis based on its unique ER localization and altered sterol composition in mutants.