Speakers
Prof. Dr. Enrico Schleiff
Institute for Molecular Biosciences
Plant Cell Physiology
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt
Biozentrum, Campus Riedberg
Max-von-Laue-Str. 9
60438 Frankfurt am Main
Email: schleiff at bio.uni-frankfurt.de
Web:
The Schleiff Lab focuses on fundamental questions of protein and organelle homeostasis in plant cells. Plant cells reveal a high complexity with respect to cellular compartmentalization and intracellular dynamics, and many problems resulting from this high complexity still have to be addressed. How are proteins synthesized at the ribosomes guided to different cellular organelles? Which mechanisms are responsible for the targeting to the right destinations within cells? What regulates the dynamic of the position and shape of organelles like chloroplasts, mitochondria or the endoplasmatic reticulum? Associated with these questions we investigate the transport of macromolecules, like proteins and lipids, across and in membranes surrounding the different cellular compartments as well as the whole cell. To prevent uncontrolled transport of small molecules through the membrane, the membrane has to feature ingenious security systems that need to ne discovered. The spectrum of our work ranges from the investigation of the structure and function of single proteins over the analysis of energetic processes in isolated membranes, and of evolutionary processes, to genetic analysis of environmentally regulated processes in plants using the model systems Arabidopsis thaliana, Pisum sativum or Solanum lycopersicum.
Prof. Dr. Achilleas Frangakis
Cluster of Excellence Macromolecular Complexes
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt
Institute of Biophysics
BMLS/, Campus Riedberg
Max-von-Laue-Str. 15
D-60438 Frankfurt am Main
Email: frangak at biophysik.org
Web:
The main focus of the group is to reveal the macromolecular organisation of living cells by means of cryo-electron tomography. Cryo-electron tomography is the only technique that can obtain molecular resolution images of intact cells in a quasi-native environment. The tomograms contain an imposing amount of information; they are essentially a three-dimensional map of the cellular proteome and depict the whole network of macromolecular interactions. Information mining algorithms exploit structural data from various techniques, identify distinct macromolecules and computationally fit atomic resolution structures in the cellular tomograms, thereby bridging the resolution gap.
Group Leaders
Dr. Tristan Bereau
Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research
Ackermannweg 10
55128 Mainz
Germany
Email: Bereau at mpip-mainz.mpg.de
Web:
The group Bereau aims at exploring the diversity of small organic molecules by a combination of high-throughput multiscale simulations and data-driven approaches. Thus, the project rounds off efforts made at the MPI-P's different research groups to develop structure-property relationships in soft matter. The findings will foster a better understanding of different organic molecules to then be able to develop new pharmaceutical drugs based on this knowledge.
Prof. Dr. Helge Bode
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt
Institute for Molecular Biosciences
Biozentrum/Campus Riedberg
Max-von-Laue-Str. 9
60438 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Email: h.bode at bio.uni-frankfurt.de
Web:
Why do bacteria produce natural substances, and which genes are responsible for this process? Professor Helge Bode and his team are searching for the answers to these questions using biochemical analytical methods on different bacteria. Among other research areas, they focus on insect-pathogenic bacteria. Due to their toxic metabolic products, bacteria such as Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus have a deadly effect on soil-dwelling insect larvae. They enter the bodies of the insect larvae by means of their symbiosis with roundworms (nematodes), in whose intestines they live. The bacterial toxins are analysed regarding their structure and biological activity. Additionally, their biosynthesis is studied on the molecular level, and his group also assesses whether the biosynthesis can be manipulated to the extent that these bacteria produce novel, even more effective substances. The results of Bode's research might serve as a basis for the industrial development of antibiotics, biological pesticides or fungicide production. Since March 2009, Bode's research has focused on the question of whether natural substances could be used in the quest for therapeutically active substances that could be used to treat rare tropical diseases. This research has been a part of one of the European Community's ongoing international research projects.
Prof. Dr. Ivan Dikic
Institute of Biochemistry II
University Hospital Frankfurt
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt
Theodor-Stern-Kai 7 / Building 75
60590 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Email: Dikic at biochem2.uni-frankfurt.de
Web:
Research in the Dikic group is centered around
the two major cellular quality control pathways: the ubiquitin system
and autophagy. As such they provide protection against rapid aging and
various human diseases and are involved in almost all cellular signaling
processes.
Ubiquitin (Ub)
is a highly conserved 76-amino acid polypeptide that is covalently
attached to target proteins through a universally conserved three-step
enzymatic process involving ubiquitin activating (E1), ubiquitin
conjugating (E2) and ubiquitin ligating (E3) enzymes. Proteins can be
modified by one (mono-ubiquitination) or several (multi-ubiquitination)
single ubiquitin molecule(s). In addition, polyubiquitination of
substrates occurs by the conjugation of ubiquitin proteins through one
of its 7 lysine residues (K6, K11, K27, K29, K33, K48 and 63) or the
N-terminal Methionine (M1) forming ubiquitin chains. Each type of Ub
linkage is specifically recognised by specialised ubiquitin binding
domains (UBD). To date, 20 families of UBDs have been characterized
according to their specificity for Ub linkages.
Autophagy is
a lysosome-mediated intracellular degradation pathway, which involves
the formation of double-membrane vesicles (autophagosomes) that
sequester portions of the cytoplasm or organelles and eventually fuse
with the lysosome, where their cargo is degraded (figure 2). At first,
autophagy was assumed to be a non-selective process to generate
essential nutrients and building blocks required during cell starvation.
However, during the last years, it became clear that autophagy is a
tightly regulated, selective process that enables the specific
degradation of damaged organelles, such as mitochondria (鈥渕itophagy"),
endoplasmic reticulum (鈥淓R-phagy") or invaded pathogens (鈥渪enophagy"),
maintaining cellular homeostasis.
Prof. Dr. Simone Fulda
Institute for Experimental Tumor Research in Paediatrics
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt
Komturstr. 3a
60528 Frankfurt/Main
Germany
Email: Simone.Fulda at kgu.de
Web:
The Fulda lab investigates the molecular mechanisms why apoptosis in tumor cells is out of function. The aim is to find drug treatments, experimental therapy strategies, and molecular mechanisms of a therapy response to set the programmed cell death back into full function in tumor cells.
Prof. Dr. Martin Grininger
Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt
Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences
Max-von-Laue-Strasse 5, 2.630
60438 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Email: Grininger at chemie.uni-frankfurt.de
Web:
The underlying goal of our research is to provide understanding of the functional mechanisms of proteins to finally reprogram their reaction modes. Specifically, we aim at using type I fatty acid synthases (FAS) and type I polyketide synthases (PKS) as multistep catalysts for directed product synthesis. The synthetic concept of these proteins provides high potential for biocatalytic approaches. We apply protein chemical and structural biological methods.
Prof. Dr. Mike Heilemann
Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt
Max-von-Laue-Str. 7
60438 Frankfurt
Germany
Email: Heileman at chemie.uni-frankfurt.de
Web:
We apply single-molecule and super-resolution microscopy tools to study how membrane proteins organize into functional units in their native cellular environment.
top
Prof. Dr. Nadja Hellmann
Institute for Pharmacy and Biochemistry
Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz
Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 30
55128 Mainz
Germany
Email: nhellmann at uni-mainz.de
Web:
Focus in the work of N. Hellmann is the structure-function relationship of proteins, in particular proteins and peptides of pathogenic bacteria which destabilize host-cell membranes. The aim is to understand what exactly these substances do, how they interact with the membrane, whether host-proteins are involved and how the interactions are modulated. The experimental approaches involve quantitative assessment of molecular interactions (e.g. calorimetry, spectroscopy) flanked by development of suitable mathematical models to describe the data.
Prof. Dr. Ute Hellmich
Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry
Membrane Biochemistry
Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz
Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 30
55128 Mainz
Germany
Email: u.hellmich at uni-mainz.de
Web: CV
Our research is focussed on the functional mechanism of complex membrane proteins, their dynamics and regulation by lipids. We are also interested in the way drugs interact with their protein targets for their improvement and an in-depth biochemical understanding of the drug-protein complex. Our lab currently focusses on transporters, ion channels and proteases that we study with biochemical, biophysical and structural techniques.
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hummer
Max Planck Institute of Biophysics
Department of Theoretical Biophysics
Max-von-Laue-Str. 3
60438 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Email: gehummer at biophys.mpg.de
Web:
In our research we develop, implement, and use a broad range of computational and theoretical methods that allow us to explore the structure, stability, dynamics, and molecular functions of biomolecules and their complexes. We use high-performance computers and work in close collaboration with experimental groups that employ a wide variety of tools, from x-ray crystallography and electron microscopy to single-molecule fluorescence and force spectroscopy. Our computational and theoretical studies aid in the interpretation of increasingly complex measurements, and guide the design of future experiments.
Prof. Dr. Franziska Matth盲us
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt
Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS)
Ruth-Moufang-Str. 1
60438 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Email: matthaeus at fias.uni-frankfurt.de
Web:
The group of F. Matth盲us focuses on the
mathematical modeling and simulation of spatiotemporal processes, in
particular cell motility. We are developing mathematical models
describing the behavior of individual cells and large cell populations
incorporating internal signaling processes, interactions between cells
and their chemical and mechanical environment, and cell-cell
communication. Using exhaustive data analysis we obtain quantitative
information from experimental studies. We then formulate agent-based or
PDE models for cell motility. Our goal is a better understanding of how
microscale processes and cell-cell interaction affect the population
behavior, e.g. in the formation of metastases, parasite-host
interaction, or the development of structure in embryonic development.
Dr. Ivana von Metzler
Medical Hospital II
Hematology, Oncology, Rheumatology, Infectiology
University Hospital Frankfurt
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt
Theodor-Stern-Kai 7
60590 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Email: ivana_zavrski at yahoo.com
Web:
Prof. Dr. Heinz D. Osiewacz
Molecular Biosciences
Molecular Developmental Biology
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt
Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, N 200-206
60438 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Email: Osiewacz at bio.uni-frankfurt.de
Web:
How do we age, and how can we stay healthy in old age? Until the 1990s scientists assumed that the aging process of biological systems was controlled by only a few basic molecular mechanisms. We now know that aging can, in fact, be ascribed to a complex network of reaction pathways within cells. They trigger time-dependent, irreversible changes of physiological functions. In order to determine which factors are involved and what their impact is, Professor Heinz D. Osiewacz conducts research on two simply organised model organisms, the fungi Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) and Podospora anserina. Their short life span of only a few weeks allows a relatively rapid assessment of the effect of targeted experimental changes. Osiewacz discovered that various molecular processes in mitochondria, the "power plants" of the eukaryotic cell, contribute largely to the aging process. Highly reactive molecules containing oxygen (reactive oxygen species, ROS) are produced when high-energy adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is generated. Although ROS are necessary for organisms to develop, in the long term they have a damaging effect. If mechanisms to protect the cell are no longer able to repair or compensate for the cumulative damage, the process of programmed cell death (apoptosis) results in the death of the individual. Using targeted mutations of fungi, genes that influence these processes, and hence contribute to an increase in life span, could be characterised. In part, these manipulations lead to a significant increase in "healthy years of life" without physiological impairment.
Prof. Dr. Friederike Schmid
Deparment for Physics
Condensed Matter Theory
Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz
Staudinger Weg 7
55099 Mainz
Germany
Email: friederike.schmid at uni-mainz.de
Web:
The research of the Condensed Matter Theory group at JGU Mainz is devoted to the statistical thermodynamics of solids and liquids, with special focus on disordered systems and glasses, soft condensed matter and complex fluids, and biologically motivated problems. Since our research heavily relies on extensive computer simulations, much effort is also spent on the development of new efficient simulation techniques. We perform our simulations on local clusters (conventional machines and GPUs) and on parallel supercomputers, e.g., at the John-von Neumann Institute for Computing in J眉lich.
Prof. Dr. Dirk Schneider
Institute for Pharmacy and Biochemistry
Membrane Proteins
Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz
Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 30
55128 Mainz
Germany
Email: Dirk.Schneider at uni-mainz.de
Web:
Folding and interaction of membrane proteins
Our primary goal is to gain deeper insights into the functional role of
individual factors involved in folding and stability of membrane
proteins. We are interested in analyzing contributions of helix-helix
interactions and of cofactor binding to folding and stabilization of a
membrane protein. Furthermore, we currently investigate
structure-function relationships and aim to define the physiological
impact of membrane protein oligomerization.
Protein sorting, transport, and translocation in cyanobacteria
In a complementary project we investigate membrane biogenesis in
cyanobacteria. In contrast to most other bacteria, cyanobacteria contain
two types of internal membrane systems, thylakoid and cytoplasmic
membranes. Thus far it is essentially completely unclear how the
internal thylakoid membrane system is built up in cyanobacteria and how
newly synthesized proteins are specifically directed to one or to the
other membrane. The structure and functions of proteins involved in
membrane biogenesis in cyanobacteria are analyzed in vitro as well as in
vivo. Current projects involve analyzes of cyanobacterial chaperones as
well as of the Vipp1 protein (vesicle inducing protein in plastids 1),
which has been proposed to be involved in thylakoid membrane biogenesis.
Prof. Dr. Harald Schwalbe
Institute for Organical Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ)
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt
Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, N160-3.13
60438 Frankfurt am Main
email: schwalbe at nmr.uni-frankfurt.de
Web:
Our group is interested in the determination of structure and dynamics of a variety of molecules of chemical and biological interest, organic synthesis of biologically relevant compounds and nmr method development.
This includes natural and nonnatural biomacromolecules: Proteins in their folded and unfolded state, oligonucleotides like RNA and DNA and their complexes, and nonnatural biopolymers. While many of our projects involve the use and development of new methods in high resolution NMR-spectroscopy of liquids as a major technique, our group is engaged in the chemical and biochemical synthesis of proteins, RNA and DNA as well as photolabile cage compounds. Many of the research projects are collaborative in nature, and we have a wide range of interactions with other academic research groups.
Prof. Dr. Hubert Serve
Medical Hospital II
Hematology, Oncology, Rheumatology, Infectiology
University Hospital Frankfurt
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt
Theodor-Stern-Kai 7
60590 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Email: Hubert.Serve at kgu.de
Web:
Prof. Dr. Ernst H.K. Stelzer
Institute of Cell Biology & Neuroscience
Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS, CEF-MC)
Physical Biology
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt
Max-von-Laue-Stra脽e 15
60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Email: ernst.stelzer at physikalischebiologie.de, stelzer at bio.uni-frankfurt.de
Web:
A major goal of the Physical Biology Group (AK Stelzer) is to pursue experiments in the life sciences under close-to-natural conditions. Hence, its members favor primary cell lines and try to avoid experiments with cultured cell lines, they favor three-dimensional cell cultures over two-dimensional cell monolayers that are cultivated on hard and flat surfaces and they try to maintain the three-dimensional context of plants, cell clusters, tissues sections and small animal embryos. In consequence, many specimens are relatively large, optically dense and require advanced methods in terms of preparation, maintenance, visualization, data handling and data analysis.
Prof. Dr. Robert Tamp猫
Institute for Biochemistry
Cellular Biochemistry
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt
Max-von-Laue-Str. 9
60438 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Email: tampe at em.uni-frankfurt.de
Web:
Biological membranes are fascinating dynamic
barriers balancing the biological needs for compartmentalization and
communication. The significance of transport of ions, molecules, and
information across cell membranes is highlighted by the diversity of
membrane protein. A detailed understanding of the functionality of
transmembrane processes is a focal point in health and diseases.
Our central goal is to understand cellular transport processes mediated
by membrane proteins in particular ABC transport systems that are key
players within the adaptive immune response against virally or
malignantly transformed cells. This includes sophisticated strategies by
which viruses escape the immune system.
In addition, we focus on
molecular machines, which reorganize macromolecular RNA-protein
complexes in protein translation and HIV assembly.
Nanotechnology
covers completely new approaches based on molecular assembly to develop
new devices in nanoscale dimensions. In (opto) chemical biology, we use
light to reprogram dynamic cellular networks.
We tightly integrate
advanced methods in biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, and
structural biology in order to understand the molecular mechanisms of
cellular machineries involved in human diseases.
Dr. Ralph Wieneke
Institute for Biochemistry
Cellulare Biochemistry
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt
Max-von-Laue-Str. 9
60438 Frankfurt am Main
Email: wieneke at em.uni-frankfurt.de
Web:
Cellular processes are mediated by a myriad of protein-protein as well as protein-lipid interactions. These complex molecular interactions are tightly coordinated and regulated and numerous of them take place at cell membranes. The group is interested in manipulating and controlling the cellular interplay at as well as within cellular membranes.
As a chemical biology group, we develop chemical
strategies to modulate and regulate cellular functions. Central for our
research is the design and development of synthetic, molecular tools as
well as experimental techniques to probe, manipulate and image
biological processes. To this aim, we utilize modern organic synthesis
to precisely prepare and vary molecular structures. In combination with
biochemical and molecular biology techniques as well as modern
biophysical methods, this will provide insight into fundamental
biological processes. A special focus of our research is to control and
guide molecular interactions at membranes. Particularly, we interested
in manipulating transmembrane proteins and protein lipid interactions.
Project Management
Dr. Bernd M盲rtens
Research Service Center
Coordination and Science Management
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt
Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, N200, 304
60438 Frankfurt am Main Germany
Email: b.maertens at em.uni-frankfurt.de
Web:
The Research Service Center of the Goethe University supports scientists with research project management, proposal writing, event management, and information about funding opportunities.