Integrated Zoological Research Laboratory

Morphological, histological and molecular analyses of zoological specimens

The integrated zoological research laboratory at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin offers a high-performance research infrastructure for morphological, histological and molecular studies of zoological specimens. It facilitates gene expression studies, immunohistochemical analyses, and light and electron microscopic documentation, and supports projects closely linked to the museum’s research priorities. 

Covering an area of over 700 square metres, the laboratory brings together large-scale analytical equipment and the associated preparation laboratories. This spatial and methodological consolidation facilitates the combination of different investigative methods and optimises workflows. The laboratory is closely linked to the DNA laboratory in terms of both content and physical layout. 

What is the integrated zoological research laboratory used for?

The laboratory is particularly suitable for: 

  • morphological and functional examinations of zoological specimens 
  • histological analyses of tissues and organs 
  • light and electron microscopic documentation 
  • immunohistochemical detection of cellular processes 
  • gene expression studies 
  • comparative studies on the evolution of organ systems 
  • interdisciplinary projects at the interface of zoology, developmental biology and evolutionary research 

Contact

Prof. Dr Carsten Lüter
Head of Laboratory & Contact Person
Email: Carsten.Lueter@mfn.berlin
Telephone: +49 30 889140-8529

Maria Schauer
Laboratory Assistant
Email: Maria.Schauer@mfn.berlin
Telephone: +49 30 889140-8654

Anke Sänger
Laboratory Assistant
Email: Anke.Saenger@mfn.berlin 

Use and collaboration

The laboratory facilities are available to museum staff, students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and visiting scholars. Use is permitted within the framework of joint research projects and subject to prior arrangement. 

External researchers may also use the laboratory as part of collaborative projects. This is subject to the research being relevant to the museum’s research questions and subject to available capacity. 

For enquiries regarding use or the development of joint projects, please contact the relevant contact person. 

Features

ZEISS EVO LS 10 scanning electron microscope 

  • Examination of the finest morphological surface structures 
  • Analysis of unsputtered samples using variable pressure 
  • SE, VPSE and BSE detectors 
  • Sample cooling via Peltier element possible 

LEO 906 transmission electron microscope 

  • Analysis of ultrathin section series 
  • Investigation of subcellular structures 
  • High voltage: 80 kV 
  • Continuous magnification in the three- to six-digit range 
  • Image capture via 2K CCD camera 

LEICA TCS SPE confocal laser scanning microscope 

  • Localisation of fluorescence signals in tissues 
  • Detection of autofluorescence and antibody labelling 
  • Diode lasers for four wavelengths, including a UV channel 

Various light microscopes and scanning systems 

  • ZEISS Axioskop light microscopes 
  • ZEISS AxioImager-M2m optical microscope (shared use with FB2) 
  • ZEISS AxioScanZ micro-specimen scanner (shared use with FB2) 
  • Leica Z16 Apo macroscope  
  • Leica M205C stereomicroscope  

Sample preparation 

  • Reichert UltracutE, Leica UCT, Leica UC7 ultramicrotomes 
  • Leica CM3050 cryomicrotome 
  • Leica CPD 300 critical-point dryer 
  • Quorum Q150 RS sputter coater 
  • Leica VT 1200S vibratome 
  • Leica TP1020 automatic embedding machine 
  • Leica Histocore Pouring Station 
  • Leica CV 5030 automatic coverslipping machine 

Laboratory procedures and analytical methods

  • Histology 
  • Optical microscopy 
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) 
  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) 
  • Immunohistochemical studies 
  • Gene expression studies 
  • Fluorescence microscopy 
  • Confocal laser scanning microscopy 
  • Preparation of section series for light and electron microscopy 

Application in research and projects

Application in research and projects

Paganos, P., Ullrich-Lüter, J., Almazán, A., Voronov, D., Carl, J., Zakrzewski, A.C., Zemann, B., Rusciano, M.L., Sancerni, T., Schauer, M., Akar, O., Caccavale, F., Cocurullo, M., Benvenuto, G., Croce, J.C., Lüter, C., Arnone, M.I. (2025). Single-nucleus profiling highlights the all-brain echinoderm nervous system. Science Advances, 11(45), eadx7753. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adx7753

Setyastuti, A., Solis-Marin, F.A., Lüter, C. (2024). Sea cucumbers of the genus Labidodemas (Holothuroidea: Holothuriida: Holothuriidae) from Indonesia, with the description of a new species and a revised key to the genus. Zootaxa, 5506(2), 227-244. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5506.2.4

æ Bothe, V., Fröbisch, N. (2025). The tiger salamander as a promising alternative model organism to the axolotl for fracture healing and regenerative biology research. The Anatomical Record. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.70060

æ Bothe, V., Müller, H., Shubin, N., Fröbisch, N. (2024). Effects of life history strategies and habitats on limb regeneration in plethodontid salamanders. Developmental Dynamics, 254(5), 396-419. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/dvdy.742

æ Benvenuto, G., Leone, S., Astoricchio, E., Bormke, S., Jasek, S., D’Aniello, E., Kittelmann, M., McDonald, K., Hartenstein, V., Baena, V., Escrivà, H., Bertrand, S., Schierwater, B., Burkhardt, P., Ruiz-Trillo, I., Jékely, G., Ullrich-Lüter, J., Lüter, C., D’Aniello, S., Arnone, M.I., Ferraro, F. (2024). Evolution of the ribbon-like organization of the Golgi apparatus in animal cells. Cell Reports, 43(3), 113791. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113791