Home Departments and Research Groups Departments and research groups Martin Beck: Molecular Sociology We use integrative, in situ structural biology techniques to study the structure, function and assembly of very large macromolecular complexes in their native environment. >[more] Ulrich Ermler: Pathway Structural Biology Our major biological interest is directed to enzymes catalyzing biological degradation processes such as the methanogenic pathway. Gerhard Hummer: Theoretical Biophysics Our goal is to develop detailed and quantitative descriptions of key biomolecular processes, including energy conversion, molecular transport, signal transduction, and enzymatic catalysis. >[more] Eugene Kim: Structure and Dynamics of Chromosomes Our group studies the principles of 3D genome organization using single-molecule imaging and correlative microscopy methods. Misha Kudryashev: Native structure and gating of ion channels We use single particle cryo-EM to gain insights into gating and regulation of these important molecules. Werner Kühlbrandt: Structural Biology The main aim of the Department is to understand the structure and function of membrane proteins and large membrane protein complexes, as determined by electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM) and x-ray crystallography. >[more] Julian Langer: Membrane Proteomics & Mass Spectrometry The “Proteomics and membrane mass spectrometry” lab is funded by the MPIs for Biophysics and Brain Research. Hartmut Michel: Molecular Membrane Biology Determination of structure and mechanism of action using membrane proteins from cellular respiration and photosynthesis as well using receptors; X-ray crystallographic analyses, electrostatic calculation. >[more] Bonnie Murphy: Redox and metalloproteins We aim to use the techniques of single-particle cryo-EM to better understand the structure and function of proteins central to bioenergetics, especially redox and metalloproteins Nadine Schwierz: Statistical Physics and Computer Simulations. Our research addresses the theoretical description of biological soft matter systems using methods of statistical physics and computer simulations. Beata Turonova: Image Processing We aim to facilitate in situ structural analysis by developing novel algorithms for cryo electron tomography and subtomogram averaging. Sonja Welsch: Central Electron Microscopy Facility Applying and advancing state-of-the-art electron microscopy techniques to deepen our understanding of biological systems, from the atomic to the cellular level. Florian Wilfling: Mechanisms of Cellular Quality Control Research in our group interdisciplinary combines advanced live-cell microscopy, in situ correlative cryo-electron tomography, state-of-the-art quantitative mass >[more] Ernst Bamberg (Emeritus): Biophysical Chemistry The focus of our research is the functional analysis of electrogenic membrane proteins.