Molecular and Cellular Information Processing

At a glance | Challenges | Solutions | Contact | Research Groups

At a glance

Even a single cell is comparable to a small computer: it detects biochemical signals from the outside, processes them, and emits new signals. In addition, clusters of biological living cells – from simple sponges to the human brain – are capable of networked and highly complex information processing.

In the topic “Molecular and Cellular Information Processing”, Jülich scientists are decoding the fundamental mechanisms of this biological communication and are using the results for new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches as well as for pioneering hardware and software solutions.

Challenges

Predicting how proteins are folded has been revolutionized in recent years by new experimental methods as well as artificial intelligence. However, the way in which proteins interact with each other or in cell clusters and signalling networks remains the subject of intense research. The same applies to cells and their various signalling pathways as well as the unresolved issue of how they orchestrate the transport of signalling proteins and messenger substances. And what happens if something goes wrong?

The molecular mechanisms underlying the storage and coding of information in the brain are also complex. The challenge is to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics, interactions, and spatiotemporal organization at the molecular level. This will help in finding answers to urgent medical, biotechnological, neuroscientific, and information-science-related questions.

Solutions

Jülich researchers are working to decode the cellular and molecular mechanisms of biological information processing right down to the atomic level. The focus here is on communication within and between cells and cell clusters through chemical and electrical signals. To this end, Jülich scientists are researching the properties of individual molecules and proteins, looking at how they interact and determine cellular functions. They also compare healthy, pathological, and age-related mechanisms as well as new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.

One focus of the Jülich experts is to identify faulty interactions and misfolded structures that lead to disease and ageing. The aim is to understand the interactions and to determine the three-dimensional structures of the protein complexes involved – if possible, in atomic resolution. Based on these findings, the researchers are developing innovative methods for the early diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, with a strong focus on Alzheimer’s disease.

To gain a comprehensive overview of the processes involved, the Jülich teams combine experiments and simulations. This allows the structure of individual proteins, protein complexes, and cells to be linked with their function, and is a prerequisite for intelligently modifying protein functions as a rational approach to treating diseases. The ultimate goal of this work is to understand cellular algorithms and the computational rules of cell networks.

Another goal is to understand how cells move, adhere to their environment, or exert forces on neighbouring cells. The researchers utilize this knowledge to determine how the interactions of cells lead to the formation of networks, for example, as well as how these networks plastically change their properties and thus form the basis for learning and memory.

Jülich experts are also investigating the connection between biological and electronic systems – for example for the production of highly sensitive sensors. This can help, for instance, to detect pollutants or develop implants to replace destroyed sensory cells. A current example of Jülich research is an intelligent biochip that imitates the retina of the eye. In future, such bioelectronics could be used as neuroimplants or even as artificial synapses. Computer technology also stands to benefit. Due to their properties, such chips are suitable for use as hardware for artificial neural networks.