Detailed 3D model of a cell highlighting organelles like nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum in vibrant colors.

Welcome to the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics!

We study the structure and function of proteins which regulate vital cellular processes using a wide methodological repertoire including advanced light and electron microscopy and as well as computational biology.

Our Research


Emeritus Group Prof. Ernst Bamberg.
Detailed molecular assembly. Text ' Martin Beck, Molecular Sociology' .
Molecular structure showing protein complex and detailed H-transfer interaction. Text 'Ulrich Ermler, Enzyme Mechanism' .
Graphic of the interior of a molecule, featuring the text "Ana Garcia, Membrane Dynamics."
Detailed visualization of a molecular structure. Text ' Gerhard Hummer, Theoretical Biophysics'.
Complex molecular structure. Text ' Werner Kühlbrandt, Structural Biology' .
A white-lit chromosome featuring the text "Eugene Kim, Structure and Dynamics of Chromosomes."
Illustration of hands manipulating a blue protein helix above a lipid bilayer structure. Text ' Melanie McDowell, Membrane Protein Biogenesis' .
Detailed 3D molecular structure featuring yellow, blue, and orange atoms, interwoven with a blue mesh overlay on a black background. Text ' Hartmut Michel, Molecular membrane Biology' .
Graphic of a protein, featuring the text "Bonnie Murphy, Mechanistic Structural Biology."
Beata Turoňová – Image Processing
Molecular arrangement with purple clusters surrounding a central yellow ring. Text' Florian Wilfing, Mechanisms of Cellular Quality Control.

Overview

Scientific Facilities


https://brain.mpg.de/imaging
Professional English version: A woman looking into an electron microscope in a room illuminated with blue light.
Colored brain with colorful patterns.

News

A Molecular View of Genome Packaging in Human Cells

July 13, 2026

Research News
How do two meters of DNA fit inside the cell nucleus? Researchers used cryo-electron tomography to map individual nucleosomes inside human cells.

New International Network Brings Together Early-Career Researchers from Eight European Countries to Shape the Future of Cell Death and Inflammation Research

Research News
The founding of a European scientific network dedicated to advancing research on cell death and its links to diseases, including chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, and…

MitoScanner: Searching for the Right Place to Divide Mitochondria

June 11, 2026

Research News
Proteins DRP1 and MID49 scan the mitochondrial outer membrane before division, revealing a previously unrecognized step in mitochondrial fission.

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Latest Publications

1.
Aufdermauer, J.; de Ridder, I.; Ehsani, M.; Khan, M.; Kale, J.; Frenzel, L. P.; Andrews, D.; Karamanou, S.; Garcia Saez, A. J.; Bultynck, G.: Cancer-Associated BCL-2 Mutants Reveal Mechanisms Towards Venetoclax Resistance. Advanced Science, e76693 (2026)
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2.
Tyagi, M.; de Hoog, E.; Grega, M.; Sullivan, K. R.; Walker, A. C.; Chadha, R.; Northrop, A.; Fábián, B.; Hummer, G.; Fuxreiter, M. et al.; Hyman, B. T.; Shepherd, J. D.: Arc mediates intercellular tau transmission via extracellular vesicles. Cell 189 (15), pp. 4706 - 4723.e13 (2026)
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3.
Despic, V.; Klostermann, M.; Orekhova, A.; Mesitov, M.; Busch, A.; Zarnack, K.; König, J.; Müller-McNicoll, M.: Isotope-free mapping of protein-RNA interactions at single-nucleotide resolution by iCLIP3. STAR Protocols 7 (3), 104704 (2026)
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4.
Kappelhoff, S.; Holtmannspötter, M.; Schaefer, S. L.; Margheritis, E. G.; Asik, Ö. D.; Gehle, N.; Veit, H.; Danial, J. S. H.; Franzkoch, R.; Strauss, S. et al.; Alvelid, J.; Koerfer, A.; Eggeling, C.; Psathaki, O. E.; Jungmann, R.; Kurre, R.; Hummer, G.; Piehler, J.; Cosentino, K.: Direct visualization of native GSDMD pores reveals lipid-driven stabilization during pyroptosis. Science Advances 12 (28), eaee4587 (2026)
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