Departments and Research Groups

Driven by curiosity, we investigate the structure, dynamics and function of cellular systems at the molecular scale by using biophysical, biochemical and computational methods.

Ernst Bamberg – The Functional Analysis of Electrogenic Membrane Proteins

We focus on the molecular mechanism of rhodopsin-like ion pumps and channels, and on their optogenetic applications.
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Martin Beck – Molecular Sociology

How do molecular modules act in concert to generate complex cellular functions? more

Ulrich Ermler – Enzyme Mechanism

We are focused on the enzyme structure-based analysis of challenging biochemical processes in anaerobic biomass degradation.
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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

What are the universal principles that underlie chromosome organization across all forms of life? more

Misha Kudryashev – Native Structure and Gating of Ion Channels

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Werner Kühlbrandt – Structural Biology

How can we make the most of cryo-electron microscopy for determining the structure and function of membrane protein complexes? more

Julian Langer – Mass Spectrometry

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Melanie McDowell – Membrane Protein Biogenesis

What molecular mechanisms control the delivery and correct insertion of membrane proteins at the endoplasmic reticulum? more

Hartmut Michel – Molecular Membrane Biology

How to generate and use structural information to investigate function and mechanisms of membrane protein complexes?
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Bonnie Murphy – Redox and Metalloproteins

How are the structures of redox and metalloproteins fine-tuned to facilitate their activity? more

Nadine Schwierz – Statistical Physics and Computer Simulations

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Beata Turoňová – Image Processing

Our software method development focuses on improving tomogram quality and integrating contextual information into subtomogram averaging routines. more

Sonja Welsch – Electron Microscopy

Our state-of-the-art equipment, and technical and scientific user support allow for novel insights into biological structures and molecular mechanisms. more

Florian Wilfling - Mechanisms of Cellular Quality Control

How is cargo selected and packed into autophagosomes? more