Research groups

RNA-Based Gene Regulation

The regulated expression of genetic material is one of the most basic processes of a cell, affecting everything from organism development to environmental response. Through structural studies of the involved complexes, the Bernecky group works to unravel the gene expression regulatory networks that employ RNA as an intermediate.

Find out more about the Carrie’s research here.

Self-Organization of Protein Systems

How are nanometer-sized proteins able to perform complex functions on a cellular scale? The Loose group studies the molecular mechanisms of intracellular self-organization by rebuilding cellular functions in a bottom-up approach.

Find out more about the work of Martin Loose’s group here.

Structural Biology of Membrane Protein Complexes

Membrane proteins are responsible for many fundamental cellular processes including the transport of ions and metabolites, energy conversion, and signal transduction. They are the target of about two thirds of modern drugs. However, membrane proteins, especially large complexes, are challenging for structural studies and so are underrepresented in structural databases.

Find out more about the work of Leo’s group here.

Biomolecular mechanisms from integrated NMR spectroscopy

Find out more here.

Structural Biology of Cell Migration and Viral Infection

The Schur group uses advanced cryo-electron tomography and image processing methods to study the structure and function of protein complexes in situ. The group focuses on the dynamic actin cytoskeleton, the key player in the ability of cells to move. In addition, the group develops cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging tools using retroviruses as model systems, also trying to answer important questions in conservation and diversity of retroviral capsids.

Find out more about Florian Schur’s group here.