Dr. rer. nat. habil. Andy Sombke
Medical University of Vienna
Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology
Cell and Developmental Biology
Schwarzspanierstrasse 17
1090 Vienna, Austria
phone: +43 1 40160 37807
Speaker of the section group Morphology of the
German Zoological Society- Participant of the European Venom Network
- Admin of Myriapod Morphology & Evolution
on Facebook - Associate Editor of Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny
Research
Functional morphology
Morphological transformations may cohere with different functional adaptations. For example, comparative studies of functionally convergent but serially homologous traits can provide insights into potential evolutionary pathways. Thus, we are not only interested in the structure of an organ, but also in its function. Examples are the respiratory system or epidermal glands, but also structure and function of the locomotory system. We explore general anatomy and morphology using multimodal microscopic techniques (SEM, TEM, LM, cLSM, microCT), high-speed camera filming and tracking software, as well as molecular and biochemical analyses.
running Scolopendra oraniensis, reconstructions of trochanteral musculature of the ultimate and locomotory leg
Evolutionary and functional morphology of arthropod appendages - transformations and novelties
Among arthropods, trunk legs primarily used for locomotion were transformed many times independently into appendages of various functions and thus are study models to understand pathways of adaptation and evolution. The last pair of legs in centipedes (the ultimate legs) does not participate in locomotion. Often correlated with sexual dimorphism, ultimate legs may be extremely elongated and resemble antennae, or modified by the addition of advanced glandular systems. We explore general anatomy and morphology, sensory capacities, and glandular systems of ultimate legs of selected centipede species using multimodal microscopic techniques (SEM, TEM, LM, cLSM, microCT).
the 'glandular' ultimate legs of male Haplophilus subterraneus
Comparative neuroanatomy
Antennae and other appendages of arthropods are equipped with numerous specialized epidermal sensilla, which are complex in structure and function, and play an essential role in shaping primary processing centers in the nervous system. The peripheral and central nervous systems show a notable amount of morphological disparity and provide a wealth of information that contribute to our understanding of arthropod phylogeny. In order to explore evolutionary transformations, we analyze anatomy and morphology of antennae and arthropodia (especially epidermal sensilla) as well as primary sensory pathways in the nervous system of selected taxa using multimodal techniques (SEM, TEM, LM, immunohistochemistry and cLSM, selective backfillings, microCT).
immunohistochemical experiments and visualizations of centipede nervous systems
Publications
Decker SH, Saadi A, Baranyi C, Hirose M, Lemer S, Sombke A, Aguilera-Muñoz F, Vieira L, Smith A, Waeschenbach A, Schwaha T (2014) Boring systematics: a genome skimmed phylogeny of ctenostome bryozoans and their endolithic family Penetrantiidae with the desciption of one new species. Ecology and Evolution. Open Access
Teixeria RG, Stefanelli A, Pilon A, Warmers R, Fontrodona X, Romero I, Costa PJ, Villa de Brito MJ, Hudec X, Pirker C, Türck S, Antunes A, Kowol CR, Ott I, Brozovic A, Sombke A, Eckhard M, Tomaz AI, Heffeter P, Valente A (2024) Paraptotic cell death as unprecedented mode of action observed for new bipyridine-silver(I) compounds bearing phosphane co-ligands. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. Open Access
Sombke A, Müller CHG (2023) The visual system of Myriapoda. In: Bok M, Buschbeck EK (Eds.) Distributed Vision: From simple sensors to sophisticated combination eyes. Springer series in vision research pp. 168-203.
v Reumont BM, Anderluh G, Antunes A, Ayvazyan N, Beis D, Caliskan F, Crnković A, Damm M, Dutertre S, Ellgaard L, Gajski G, German H, Halassy B, Hempel B-J, Hucho T, Igci N, Ikonomopoulou MP, Karbat I, Klapa MI, Koludarov I, Kool J, Lüddecke T, Mansour RB, Modica MV, Moran Y, Nalbantsoy A, Pachón-Ibáñez ME, Panagiotopoulous A, Reuveny E, Sanchez-Céspedes J, Sombke A, Surm AM, Undheim EAB, Verdes A, Zancolli G (2022) Modern venomics - Current insights, novel methods and future perspectives in biological and applied animal venom research. GigaScience 11: giac048. Open Access
v Reumont BM, Szucsich N, Sombke A (2022) Die unerwartet diversen Gifte der Hundertfüßer. Biologie in unserer Zeit 52(1): 38-46. Link
Rosenberg J, Sombke A (2021) In memoriam Alfred Ernst (1930-2021). Newsletter of the International Society for Myriapodology 6: 15-19.
Martínez Muñoz CA, Sombke A (2021) The “Myriapod Morphology and Evolution” Facebook group. Newsletter of the International Society for Myriapodology 6: 12-14.
Sombke A, Rosenberg J, Hilken G, Müller CHG (2021) The antennal scape organ of Scutigera coleoptrata (Myriapoda) and a new type of arthropod tip-pore sensilla integrating scolopidial components. Frontiers in Zoology 18: 57. Open Access
Prömer J, Sombke A, Schwaha T (2021) A comparative analysis of the nervous system of cheilostome bryozoans. BMC Zoology 6:20. Open Access
Walker AA, Robinson SD, Paluzzi J-PV, Merritt DJ, Nixon SA, Schroeder CI, Jin J, Hedayati Gourdazi M, Kotze AC, Dekan Z, Sombke A, Alewood PF, Fry BG, Epstein M, Vetter I, King GF (2021) Production, composition, and mode of action of the painful defensive venom produced by a limacodid caterpillar, Doratifera vulnerans. PNAS 118(18): e2023815118. Link
Sombke A, Müller CHG (2021) When SEM becomes a deceptive tool of analysis: the unexpected discovery of epidermal glands with stalked ducts on the ultimate legs of geophilomorph centipedes. Frontiers in Zoology 18: 17. Open Access
Tait C, Kharva H, Schubert M, Kritsch D, Sombke A, Rybak J, Feder JL, Olsson SB (2021) A reversal in sensory processing accompanies ongoing ecological divergence and speciation in Rhagoletis pomonella. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 228: 20210192. Link
Hilken G, Rosenberg J, Edgecombe GD, Blüml V, Hammel JU, Hasenberg A, Sombke A (2020) The tracheal system of scutigeromorph centipedes and the evolution of respiratory systems of myriapods. Arthropod Structure & Development 60: 101006. Open Access
Voigtländer K, Barndt D, Burkhardt U, Dannenfeld T, Heynen S, Lindner EN, Moritz L, Nauman B, Orsakowsky R, Sombke A, Reip H (2020) The millipedes and centipedes (Diplopoda, Chilopoda) of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Schorfheide-Chorin in Brandenburg (Germany). Schubartiana 9: 13-37. Open Access
Sombke A, Müller CHG (2020) Evolutionary transformations of centipede ultimate legs. Integrative and Comparative Biology 60: E218. (published abstract)
Steinhoff POM, Uhl G, Harzsch S, Sombke A (2020) Visual pathways in the brain of the jumping spider Marpissa muscosa. The Journal of Comparative Neurology 528: 1883-1902 Open Access
Sombke A, Klann AE, Lipke A, Wolf H (2019) Primary processing neuropils associated with the malleoli of camel spiders (Arachnida, Solifugae) - a re-evaluation of axonal pathways. Zoological Letters 5:26. Open Access
Wittfoth C, Harzsch S, Wolff C*, Sombke A* (2019) The "amphi"-brains of amphipods: New insights from the neuroanatomy of Parhyale hawaiensis (Dana, 1853). Frontiers in Zoology 16:30. *shared last authorship Open Access
Kenning M, Schendel V, Müller CHG, Sombke A (2019) Comparative morphology of ultimate and walking legs in the centipede Lithobius forficatus (Myriapoda) with functional implications. Zoological Letters 5:3. Open Access
Schendel V, Kenning M, Sombke A (2018) A comparative analysis of the ventral nerve cord of Lithobius forficatus (Lithobiomorpha): morphology, neuroanatomy, and individually identifiable neurons. Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 76(3): 377-394. Open Access
Spitzner F, Meth R, Krüger C, Nischik ES, Eiler S, Sombke A, Torres G, Harzsch S. (2018) An atlas of larval organogenesis in the European shore crab Carcinus maenas L. (Decapoda, Brachyura, Portunidae). Frontiers in Zoology 15: 27. Open Access
Haug JT, Haug C, Neumann C, Sombke A, Hörnig MK (2018) Early post-embryonic polyxenidan millipedes from Saxonian amber (Eocene). Bulletin of Geosciences 93: 1. Open Access
Walker AA, Mayhew ML, Jin J, Herzig V, Undheim EAB, Sombke A, Fry BG, Merritt D, King GF (2018) The assassin bug Pristhesancus plagipennis produces distinct predatory and defensive venoms in separate gland lumens. Nature Communications 9: 755. Open Access
Steinhoff POM, Liedtke J, Sombke A, Schneider JM, Uhl G (2018) Early environmental conditions affect the volume of higher brain centers in a jumping spider. Journal of Zoology 304: 182–192. Link
Kenning M, Müller CHG, Sombke A (2017) The ultimate legs of Chilopoda (Myriapoda): a review on their morphological disparity and functional variability. PeerJ 5:e4023. Open Access
Sombke A (2017) Comparative Analysis of the Centipede Nervous System - Past, Present and Future in Arthropod Neuroanatomical Research. Tropical Natural History, Supplement 5: 21 (published abstract, 17th International Congress of Myriapodology). Link
Kenning M, Sombke A (2017) Sensing from Both Ends? Transformation of Locomotory into Multifunctional Appendages in Chilopoda (Myriapoda). Tropical Natural History, Supplement 5: 22 (published abstract, 17th International Congress of Myriapodology). Link
Müller CHG, Wagenknecht P, Sombke A (2017) Ultrastructure and Phylogenetic Evaluation of the Tömösváry Organ in Craterostigmus tasmanianus Pocock, 1902 (Myriapoda: Chilopoda). Tropical Natural History, Supplement 5: 56 (published abstract, 17th International Congress of Myriapodology). Link
Müller CHG, Sombke A, Thoen H, Undheim EAB (2017) Comparative Morphology and Evolutionary Transformation of Venom Glands in Chilopoda. Tropical Natural History, Supplement 5: 42 (published abstract, 17th International Congress of Myriapodology). Link
Sombke A, Stemme T (2017) Serotonergic neurons in the ventral nerve cord of Chilopoda - a mandibulate pattern of individually identifiable neurons. BMC Zoological Letters 3: 9. Open Access
Henne A, Sombke A, Schmidt-Rhaesa A (2017) Immunohistochemical analysis of the anterior nervous system of the free-living nematode Plectus spp. (Nematoda, Plectidae). Zoomorphology 136(2): 175-190. Link
Steinhoff POM*, Sombke A*, Liedtke J, Schneider JM, Harzsch S, Uhl G. (2017) The synganglion of the jumping spider Marpissa muscosa (Arachnida: Salticidae): insights from histology, immunohistochemistry and microCT analysis. Arthropod Structure & Development 46(2): 156-170. *shared first authorship Link
Henne S, Friedrich F, Hammel J, Sombke A, Schmidt-Rhaesa A (2017) Reconstructing the anterior part of the nervous system of Gordius aquaticus (Nematomorpha, Cycloneuralia) by a multi-methodological approach. Journal of Morphology 278: 106-118. Link
Hädicke CW, Ernst A, Sombke A (2016) Sensing more than the bathroom: sensilla on the antennae, cerci and styli of the silverfish Lepisma saccharina Linneaus, 1758 (Zygentoma: Lepismatidae). Entomologia Generalis 36: 71-89. Link
Hörnig MK, Sombke A, Haug C, Harzsch S, Haug JT (2016) What nymphal morphology can tell us about parental investment – a group of cockroach hatchlings in Baltic Amber documented by a multi-method approach. Palaeontologia Electronica 19.1.5A: 1-20. Open Access
Sombke A, Rosenberg J (2016) Myriapoda. In: Schmidt-Rhaesa A, Harzsch S, Purschke G. (Eds.) Structure and Evolution of Invertebrate Nervous Systems. pp. 478-491. Oxford University Press.
Batelle BA, Sombke A, Harzsch S (2016) Xiphosura. In: Schmidt-Rhaesa A, Harzsch S, Purschke G. (Eds.) Structure and Evolution of Invertebrate Nervous Systems. pp 428-442. Oxford University Press.
Lehmann T, Melzer RR, Hörnig MK, Michalik P, Sombke A, Harzsch S (2016) Arachnida (excluding Scorpiones). In: Schmidt-Rhaesa A, Harzsch S, Purschke G. (Eds.) Structure and Evolution of Invertebrate Nervous Systems. pp. 453-477. Oxford University Press.
Sombke A, Harzsch S (2015) Immunolocalization of histamine in the optic neuropils of Scutigera coleoptrata (Myriapoda: Chilopoda) reveals the basal organization of visual systems in Mandibulata. Neuroscience Letters 594: 111-116. Link
Sombke A*, Lipke E*, Michalik P, Uhl G, Harzsch S (2015) Potential and limitations of X-ray micro-computed tomography in arthropod neuroanatomy – a methodological and comparative survey. The Journal of Comparative Neurology 523(8): 1281-1295. *shared first authorship Open Access
Hilken G, Edgecombe GD, Müller CHG, Sombke A, Wirkner C, Rosenberg J (2015) Interaction of the tracheal tubules of Scutigera coleoptrata (Notostigmophora: Chilopoda) with glandular structures of the pericardial septum. Zookeys 510: 233-242. Open Access
Hädicke CW, Blank SM, Pohl H, Müller CHG, Sombke A (2015) Sensing the world without antennae and eyes: external structure and distribution of sensilla in Eosentomon pinetorum Szeptycki, 1984 and on the protarsus of Acerentomon franzi Nosek, 1965 (Hexapoda: Protura). Soil Organisms 87 (1): 29-49. Open Access
Hädicke CW, Blank SM, Sombke A (2015) Erstnachweis von Eosentomon pinetorum Szeptycki, 1984 (Protura: Eosentomidae) in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Virgo 18: 44-45.
Sombke A, Rosenberg J (2015) Diplopoda - Nervous and neuroendocrine system. In: Minelli A (Ed.) Treatise on Zoology - Anatomy, Taxonomy, Biology - The Myriapoda II. pp. 161-179. Brill, Leiden.
Müller CHG, Sombke A (2015) Diplopoda - Sense Organs. In: Minelli A (Ed.) Treatise on Zoology - Anatomy, Taxonomy, Biology - The Myriapoda II. pp. 181-235. Brill, Leiden.
Hilken G, Sombke A, Müller CHG, Rosenberg J (2015) Diplopoda - Tracheal system. In: Minelli A (Ed.) Treatise on Zoology - Anatomy, Taxonomy, Biology - The Myriapoda II. pp. 129-152. Brill, Leiden.
Sombke A, Edgecombe GD (2014) Morphology and evolution of Myriapoda. Arthropod Structure & Development 43: 3-4. Link
Haug JT, Haug C, Schweigert G, Sombke A (2014) The evolution of centipede venom claws – open questions and possible answers. Arthropod Structure & Development 43: 5-16. Link
Sombke A, Ernst A (2014) Structure and distribution of antennal sensilla in Oranmorpha guerinii (Gervais, 1837) (Diplopoda, Polydesmida). Arthropod Structure and Development 43: 77-86. Link
Loesel R, Wolf H, Kenning M, Harzsch S, Sombke A (2013) Architectural principles and evolution of the arthropod central nervous system. In: Minelli A, Boxshall G, Fusco G (Eds.) Arthropod Biology and Evolution: Molecules, Development, Morphology. pp. 299-342. Springer, Berlin. Link
Ernst A, Hilken G, Rosenberg J, Voigtländer K, Sombke A (2013) Structure and distribution of antennal sensilla in the centipede Scolopendra oraniensis (Latreille, 1829) (Chilopoda, Scolopendromorpha). Zoologischer Anzeiger 252: 217-225. Link
Haug JT, Müller CHG, Sombke A (2013) A centipede nymph in Baltic amber and a new approach for documenting amber fossils. Organisms Diversity & Evolution 13: 425-432. Link
Krieger J, Sombke A, Seefluth F, Kenning M, Hansson BS, Harzsch S (2012) Comparative brain architecture of the European shore Crab Carcinus maenas (Brachyura) and the Common hermit Crab Pagurus bernhardus (Anomura). Cell and Tissue Research. 348(1):47-69. Link
Sombke A, Lipke E, Kenning M, Müller C, Hansson BS, Harzsch S (2012) Comparative analysis of deutocerebral neuropils in Chilopoda (Myriapoda): implications for the evolution of the arthropod olfactory system and support for the Mandibulata concept. BMC Neuroscience 13:1. Open Access
Sombke A (2012) Comparative studies on the nervous system of the Chilopoda with emphasis on the organization of deutocerebral neuropils, sensory structures and olfactory behavior. Inaugural-Dissertation Universität Greifswald. 231 pp.
Sombke A, Rosenberg J, Hilken G, Westermann M, Ernst A (2011) The source of chilopod sensory information: External structure and distribution of antennal sensilla in Scutigera coleoptrata. Journal of Morphology 272: 1376-1387. Link
Sombke A, Harzsch S, Hansson BS (2011) Organization of deutocerebral neuropils and olfactory behavior in the centipede Scutigera coleoptrata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Myriapoda: Chilopoda). Chemical Senses 36: 43-61. Open Access
Minelli A, Sombke A (2011) Chilopoda - Development. In: Minelli A (Ed.) Treatise on Zoology - Anatomy, Taxonomy, Biology - The Myriapoda I. pp. 295-308. Brill, Leiden.
Sombke A, Rosenberg J, Hilken G (2011) Chilopoda - The nervous system. In: Minelli A (Ed.) Treatise on Zoology - Anatomy, Taxonomy, Biology - The Myriapoda I. pp. 217-234. Brill, Leiden.
Müller CHG, Sombke A, Hilken G, Rosenberg J (2011) Chilopoda - Sense organs. In: Minelli A (Ed.) Treatise on Zoology - Anatomy, Taxonomy, Biology - The Myriapoda I. pp. 235-278. Brill, Leiden.
Hilken G, Müller CHG, Sombke A, Wirkner CS, Rosenberg J (2011) Chilopoda - Tracheal system. In: Minelli A (Ed.) Treatise on Zoology - Anatomy, Taxonomy, Biology - The Myriapoda I. pp. 137-155. Brill, Leiden.
Rosenberg J, Sombke A, Hilken G (2011) Chilopoda - Excretory system. In: Minelli A (Ed.) Treatise on Zoology - Anatomy, Taxonomy, Biology - The Myriapoda I. pp. 177-195. Brill, Leiden.
Hilken G, Minelli A, Müller CHG, Rosenberg J, Sombke A, Wirkner CS (2011) Chilopoda - History of research. In: Minelli A (Ed.) Treatise on Zoology - Anatomy, Taxonomy, Biology - The Myriapoda I. pp. 22-42. Brill, Leiden.
Sombke A (2011) Das Geruchssystem der Hundertfüßer. Greifswalder Universitätsreden 143: 29-39.
Rieger V, Perez Y, Müller C, Lipke E, Sombke A, Hansson BS, Harzsch S (2010) Immunohistochemical analysis and 3D reconstruction of the cephalic nervous system in Chaetognatha: insights into an early bilaterian brain? Invertebrate Biology 129(1): 77-104. Link
Rosenberg J, Sombke A & Hilken G (2009) Structure and Function of the Maxillary Nephridium of Lithobius forficatus (Chilopoda, Pleurostigmomorpha). Journal of Morphology. 270(12): 1531-1540. Link
Sombke A, Harzsch S, Hansson BS (2009) Brain structure of Scutigera coleoptrata: New insights into the evolution of mandibulate olfactory centers - Short communication. Soil Organisms 81 (3): 319-325. Open Access
Sombke A, Harzsch S, Hansson BS (2008) Brain structure of Scutigera coleoptrata (Myriapoda: Chilopoda): new insights into the evolution of mandibulate olfactory centers. Peckiana 6: 24. (published abstract)
Sombke A, Harzsch S, Hansson BS (2008) Brain structure of Scutigera coleoptrata (Myriapoda: Chilopoda): new insights into the evolution of mandibulate olfactory centers. Journal of Morphology 269(12): 1483. (published abstract)
Müller C, Sombke A & Rosenberg J (2007) The fine structure of the eyes of some bristly millipedes (Penicillata, Diplopoda): Additional support for the homology of mandibulate ommatidia. Arthropod Structure & Development 36: 463-476. Link
Sombke A, Schlegel M (2007) Orthoptera and Mantodea of Istria and the croatian island Šipan. Rostocker Meeresbiologische Beiträge 18: 131-137.
Sombke A (2004) Die Link'schen Typen. biologenheute - vdbiol Landesverbände Nord 3: 12-14.
Sombke A (2003) Sigismund Brauns (1839–1913) und seine Käfersammlung an der Universität Rostock (Insecta: Coleoptera). Arch. Freunde Naturg. Mecklenburg. 42: 5-43.
Sombke A (2000) Ein Neufund der Gewächshausschrecke (Tachycines asynamorus Adelung, 1902) in Rostock. Arch. Freunde Naturg. Mecklenb. 39: 39-44.