Recently the complete genome of Trichoplax adhaerens has been sequenced (link) and estimated sequence tags (ESTs) are available online (http://genome.jgi-psf.org), however very little is currently known about the function of most genes and clearly demands further investigations.

In my research I investigate cell proliferation and apoptosis in Trichoplax adhaerenss in order to explain the mechanisms controlling these incidents in Placozoa. The results of this study will help to better understand the evolution of multicellularity and help Trichoplax to become a model organism also for medical research approaches, especially for cancer research.