Research

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Cell Signaling and Communication

"All complex functions of the human body require the communication between cells and cell networks. Our aim is to understand how cells generate electrical and chemical signals and how such signals are transmitted from one cell to the other, with particular interest into electrical signaling of neurons and synaptic transmission in the brain. We study cell signaling with biophysical methods, explore the function of ion channels and transporters with computational and experimental approaches, and analyze the impact of these transport processes for the cell function. By examining pathomechanisms underlying human diseases we seek to understand how altered cell signaling causes cell and organ dysfunction."

Prof. Christoph Fahlke (IBI-1)

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Exploring the mechanobiology of the central nervous system

"We investigate the mechanobiology of brain cells using modern methods of biophysics and cell biology. Our primary focus is on elucidating the mechanisms through which neural cells sense, process, and respond to mechanical signals. Given that cells also emit such signals, complex control circuits are formed that are still poorly understood. Their correct function is crucial for the development of the brain, whereas malfunctions lead to diseases."

Prof. Rudolf Merkel (IBI-2)

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Nanocomponents Listen to Cell Signals

“We are interested in the connection between biological and electronic systems. We examine the molecular, cellular and electronic as well as electrochemical processes at this interface. This enables us to produce sensors that can detect even the tiniest amounts of pollutants or biochemical substances in the environment or in body fluids, or can even exchange signals with cells. With our methods, more compatible and highly sensitive implants may be developed in future that can be used to replace destroyed sensory cells.”

Prof. Andreas Offenhäusser (IBI-3)

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Collective Phenomena in Biological Systems

"Many biological functions are based on highly specific interactions between two molecular units. But in most biological systems, such as the cytoplasm, proteins and other biopolymers are present in such high concentrations that collective phenomena, which arise from interactions between a large number of molecules, play an important role. With our research we aim at quantitatively understanding these phenomena and their influence on biological functions on a molecular level. To this end, we investigate suspensions of biological and biohybrid macromolecules as well as red blood cells using colloid and polymer physics methods. We are particularly interested in how the behaviour of such systems depends on or can be manipulated by external influences such as temperature gradients, shear flow, electric fields or spatial restrictions."

Prof. Peter Lang (IBI-4)

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Understanding Complex Interactions

“The function of every cell and every organism crucially depends on the dynamic interactions between biological macromolecules and on their correct three-dimensional structure. Faulty interactions and misfolded structures lead to disease and aging. The goal of the research in IBI-7 – Structural Biochemistry is to understand these interactions and to determine the three-dimensional structure of the protein complexes involved in crucial cellular processes. To do this, we use all available atomic-resolution structural biology methods, such as X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and cryo-electron microscopy. A major focus of our research is on amyloid protein aggregates. We are interested in how these highly ordered prion-like structures look at atomic resolution, how they form, grow and multiply. We are also investigating the defense mechanisms we have developed in the course of evolution and how we can use targeted D-peptide compounds to break down amyloid fibrils into harmless monomer building blocks again.”

Prof. Dieter Willbold (IBI-7)

Last Modified: 05.06.2025