Biomolecules: Structure - Function - Dynamics: University of Göttingen

Research focuses on the

• structure
• function
• dynamics of biological macromolecules and macromolecular assemblies
• with particular emphasis on the cellular function of proteins
• membranes and protein-nucleic acid complexes.

Research projects deal with

• chromatin remodelling
• vesicular transport
• membrane fusion
• nucleocytoplasmic transport and the nuclear pore complex
• the spliceosome and other ribonucleoprotein complexes
• regulatory networks in microorganisms.

All these projects share common goals including biochemical reconstitution, as well as biophysical and structural understanding of the processes involved.

In recent years, Göttingen has developed into one of the leading centres of structural biology. Currently there are four groups applying NMR-spectroscopy, five groups using X-ray crystallography, and one applying single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. These approaches are complemented by biophysical methods (fluorescence- and CD spectroscopy, calorimetry, EPR-spectroscopy etc). The analysis of three-dimensional structures also includes theoretical approaches on the structural dynamics of biological macromolecules. Many of these groups are united in a well-advanced initiative for a new DFG Collaborative Research Centre. Furthermore, the programme closely co-operates with the thematically related GRK 521, and it is planned to apply for a new DFG Research Training Group that is thematically centreed in this programme.