Recruiting Faculty
Dr. Martin Beck
MPI of Biophysics - Molecular SociologyStructural Biology
Research Mission
Functional cellular modules have often been characterised in vitro. However, relatively little is known about their interplay and spatio-temporal arrangement in the context of living cells, i.e. their '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.
Experimental Techniques
We rely on a diverse methodological repertoire, including cryo-EM, structural proteomics, biochemistry, imaging, animal model systems and computational modeling
Prof. Dr. Ivan Dikic
Goethe University Frankfurt - Institute of Biochemistry II (IBC2)Biochemistry
Research Mission
Cellular homeostasis is achieved, among others, by tight regulation of the two major degradation pathways – the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy. It is critical to understand the structure and function of individual components within each of these pathways, as any disruption to either of the processes can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and other pathologies. To study functional and structural properties of components of
Experimental Techniques
To tackle our research questions, we rely on a wide variety of biological and chemical techniques, including biochemistry, proteomics, cell imaging, X-ray crystallography, Cryo-EM and animal model systems.
Prof. Dr. Dorothee Dormann
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz - Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB)Neurodegeneration
Research Mission
Our research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of RNA-binding protein (RBP) dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases, most notably the currently incurable disorders ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), FTD (frontotemporal dementia), and Alzheimer's disease. We aim to understand how specific, disease-linked RBPs, such as TDP-43 and FUS, mislocalize and aggregate in these disorders, to provide a mechanistic basis for new therapeutic strategies.
Experimental Techniques
We dissect the complex pathomechanism using a reductionist approach based on in vitro reconstitution and cellular experiments. We use recombinant proteins, protein/RNA biochemistry and biophysics to understand molecular events. As cellular models, we mostly use mammalian cell lines. We use techniques such as confocal microscopy, live cell imaging, protein-RNA interaction and phase separation assays, and employ genomics and proteomics approaches.
Selected Publications
Disease-linked TDP-43 hyperphosphorylation suppresses TDP-43 condensation and aggregation
EMBO Journal 2022
Phase Separation of FUS Is Suppressed by Its Nuclear Import Receptor and Arginine Methylation
Cell 2018
Adding intrinsically disordered proteins to biological ageing clocks
Nature Cell Biology 2024
Prof. Dr. Achilleas Frangakis
Goethe University Frankfurt - Institute of BiophysicsBioimaging
Research Mission
Cell adhesion is an essential process that allows for cells to attach and interact with other cells and their environment in order to perform a multitude of tasks. Although adhesion is directly related to infection processes and disease, it is currently only poorly understood. Our mission is to study and decipher the adhesion mechanisms of both eukaryotic and bacterial cells.
Experimental Techniques
We use a large arsenal of different technologies to complement our primary methodologies of cryo-electron tomography, image processing and machine learning. Our main model system to study bacterial adhesion is M. pneumoniae & genitalium. For eukaryotic systems we utilise various endothelial and epithelial cell lines.
Prof. Dr. Ana García Sáez
MPI of BiophysicsBioimaging
Research Mission
Our department aims at understanding the underlying physical principles and molecular mechanisms that govern membrane organization and dynamics. A key open question is how membrane behavior and signaling are coordinated by the interplay between molecular components and the membrane properties. We focus our research on the mitochondrial alterations during apoptosis as well as on membrane permeabilization as a common theme in regulated cell death.
Experimental Techniques
We have established a multi-disciplinary department that develops new microscopy tools and combines biophysics, biochemistry and cell biology in reconstituted minimal systems and in single cells to analyze mitochondrial permeabilization and additional alterations during apoptosis from a quantitative perspective. We also apply these methods to study the molecular mechanisms of membrane permeabilization that execute other forms of cell death.
Selected Publications
The interplay between BAX and BAK tunes apoptotic pore growth to control mitochondrial DNA-mediated inflammation
Molecular Cell 2022
DRP1 interacts directly with BAX to induce its activation and apoptosis
EMBO Journal 2022
BCL-2-family protein tBID can act as a BAX-like effector of apoptosis
EMBO Journal 2022
Dr. Bernhard Hampölz
MPI of Biophysics - Molecular SociologyCell Biology
Research Mission
Our aim is to understand how macromolecular complexes and in particular the Nuclear Pore Complex (NPC) assemble in the context of animal development. To that end we use embryos and the female germline of the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster to delineate principles of how NPCs form in a multicellular organism and how their assembly relies on the major regulatory inputs of early development.
Experimental Techniques
Our methodological repertoire is broad and spans techniques as diverse as cultivating and crossing fruitfly lines (aka “Fly pushing”) and in vitro biochemistry. This spectrum contains Drosophila genetics, general cell biological techniques, organ dissection, plastic and Cryo-EM (including CLEM). Our core technology is imaging of living Drosophila embryos, ovaries and larval brains.
Selected Publications
Nuclear Pores Assemble from Nucloporin Condensates During Oogenesis
Cell 2019
Pre-assembled Nuclear Pores Insert Into the Nuclear Envelope During Early Development
Cell 2016
The small GTPase Ran defines Nuclear Pore Complex Asymmetry
Cell 2025
Prof. Dr. Inga Hänelt
Goethe University Frankfurt - Institute of BiochemistryBiochemistry
Research Mission
Proteins involved in substrate translocation across biological membranes are diverse and the variety that nature has evolved to control substrate flux absolutely fascinates us. A major focus of my group is on bacterial membrane transport systems and, in particular, potassium transport systems that are essential for the survival of a single cell and a bacterial community, namely biofilms.
Experimental Techniques
Our lab applies a variety of methods, including biochemistry, structural biology, EPR spectroscopy, microbiology and electrophysiology for understanding the molecular principles of membrane transport proteins.
Prof. Dr. Mike Heilemann
Goethe University Frankfurt - Institute of Physical and Theoretical ChemistryBioimaging
Research Mission
Our mission is to develop super-resolution fluorescence microscopy into an "optical omics" technology for structural cell biology. We develop imaging tools for quantitative microscopy with single-protein resolution, along with novel computational tools for microscopy. We investigate how proteins organize in cells and tissue, and how this organization correlates with protein function.
Experimental Techniques
super-resolution microscopy (dSTORM, PALM, DNA-PAINT, STED, SOFI), live cell microscopy, deep-learning assisted microscopy, chemical biology, fluorescence spectroscopy
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hummer
MPI of Biophysics - Theoretical BiophysicsBiophysics
Research Mission
We use molecular dynamics simulations and integrative modeling to study biological systems from molecular to organellar scales. Focus areas include the dynamics of the nuclear pore complex; membrane remodeling in cell homeostasis, autophagy and viral infection; and membrane channel and transporter function. To tackle issues of size and complexity in molecular dynamics simulations at organellar scales, we develop novel simulation and AI methods.
Experimental Techniques
We use a wide range of computational and theoretical techniques including molecular dynamics simulations; integrative modeling; artificial intelligence / machine learning; statistical physics; computational physics; theoretical chemistry; quantum chemistry; computational chemistry; bioinformatics; high-performance computation; kinetic modeling; stochastic processes; and Bayesian statistics.
Selected Publications
Artificial intelligence reveals nuclear pore complexity
bioRxiv 2022
Global structure of the intrinsically disordered protein tau emerges from its local structure
JACS Au 2022
Membrane fusion and drug delivery with carbon nanotube porins
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2021
FAM134B-RHD protein clustering drives spontaneous budding of asymmetric membranes
J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2022
In situ structural analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spike reveals flexibility mediated by three hinges
Science 2021
Dr. Eugene Kim
MPI of BiophysicsBiophysics
Research Mission
Cellular DNA is highly organized not only to fit within the cells, but also to regulate genomic processes. Yet, what determines DNA organization and how it impacts on cellular function remain largely unknown. We study biochemical and physical processes underlying chromosome organization by monitoring their dynamics at the single-molecule level with high spatiotemporal resolution.
Experimental Techniques
We employ single-molecule fluorescence imaging, single-molecule force spectroscopy, and correlative light and electron microscopy techniques, in combination with analytical biochemistry tools.
Dr. Melanie McDowell
MPI of BiophysicsStructural Biology
Research Mission
Almost all eukaryotic membrane proteins start their life in the cytosol and must journey to the cellular membrane where they function. Multiple pathways are employed to recognise different classes of membrane proteins, deliver them to the correct membrane and insert them into the lipid bilayer. We strive to understand the protein factors involved in these pathways at the endoplasmic reticulum, the primary destination for most membrane proteins.
Experimental Techniques
We use an integrative approach to study protein structure, interactions and function. Techniques include cryo-EM, x-ray crystallography, biophysical methods, in vitro biochemical reconstitution and pull-outs of native protein complexes from model organisms such as yeast and Chaetomium thermophilum.
Selected Publications
Structural and molecular mechanisms for membrane protein biogenesis by the Oxa1 superfamily
Nature Structural and Molecular Biology 2021
Structural basis of tail-anchored membrane protein biogenesis by the GET insertase complex
Molecular Cell 2020
Prof. Dr. Christian Münch
Goethe University Frankfurt - Institute of Biochemistry II (IBC2)Cell Biology
Research Mission
Cells respond to stress with highly coordinated and dynamic responses. Their full complexity and spatio-temporal control remains poorly understood. We focus on a range of stresses - (mitochondrial) protein misfolding, infection, cancer - to study their effects on a systems biology/medicine level. We aim to define the molecular details of stress responses, their roles in diseases, and potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Experimental Techniques
We employ biochemical, cell biological, genetic, and proteomics approaches to comprehensively monitor the multiple facets of stress responses. To grasp dynamic, cell-wide changes, we develop proteomics methods, such as for translation & degradation. We then apply computational approaches on our multi-level data to gain integrated systems information. Our work largely focuses on mammalian cell culture systems and clinical models.
Selected Publications
A cytosolic surveillance mechanism activates the mitochondrial UPR
Nature 2023
Global mitochondrial protein import proteomics reveal distinct regulation by translation and translocation machinery
Molecular Cell 2022
Protein import motor complex reacts to mitochondrial misfolding by reducing protein import and activating mitophagy
Nature Commun 2022
Proteomics of SARS-CoV-2-infected host cells reveals therapy targets
Nature 2020
Functional Translatome Proteomics Reveal Converging and Dose-Dependent Regulation by mTORC1 and eIF2α
Molecular Cell 2020
Dr. Bonnie Murphy
MPI of BiophysicsStructural Biology
Research Mission
Our group is focused on gaining a better understanding of the structure and especially the mechanism of redox and metalloproteins across the tree of life. We also work to develop methods for elemental mapping in macromolecular complexes, combining analytical techniques typically used for dose-tolerant inorganic samples with the image processing tools of single-particle analysis.
Experimental Techniques
We use single-particle cryo-EM as a primary tool in the lab, complemented by biochemical and electrochemical tools. We use additional analytical capabilities of the microscope in STEM mode (eg. 4D-STEM, EELS analysis), giving us richer information about our sample.
Selected Publications
see our website / Google scholar page for up-to-date publication list
2026
Dr. Beata Turoňová
MPI of Biophysics - Molecular SociologyStructural Biology
Research Mission
We aim to facilitate in situ structural analysis by developing novel algorithms for cryo electron tomography and subtomogram averaging. Our method development focuses on improving tomogram quality and integrating contextual information into subtomogram averaging routines. The goal is to allow for reliable and objective analysis of tomograms as well as macromolecular complexes.
Experimental Techniques
The main focus is software method development. We use cryo electron tomography, often in combination with focused ion-beam milling, to obtain data for the method development. To ensure their robustness, the methods are tested on a variety of samples from virus-like particles (e.g. HIV, Sars-Cov-2) and real viruses (e.g. Sars-Cov-2, vaccinia) to very large macromolecular complexes (e.g. nuclear pore complexes).
Selected Publications
In situ structural analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spike reveals flexibility mediated by three hinges
Science 2020
Benchmarking tomographic acquisition schemes for high-resolution structural biology
Nature Communications 2020
Cone-shaped HIV-1 capsids are transported through intact nuclear pores
Cell 2021