Research Groups
Scientific Coordinator: Thomas Jentsch
A thorough knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that govern cellular life is essential in understanding how drugs work and identifying suitable new targets for pharmaceutical intervention. The genetic modification of mice is a powerful tool for clarifying the physiological and pathological roles of individual protein targets.
We perform basic research on the physiology and cell biology of ion channels and transporters, pre- and postsynaptic membrane proteins including synaptic vesicles, G-protein coupled receptors, exo-endocytic trafficking and the permeation properties of epithelia. To investigate these processes, we employ a broad arsenal of techniques, encompassing biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, biophysics and imaging (light and electron microscopy), and the generation and analysis of transgenic mouse models.
Department Physiology and Pathology of Ion Transport (Thomas J. Jentsch)
We study ion transport across cellular membranes using techniques of biophysics, cell and molecular biology, and genetically modified mouse models. This work has provided insights into cellular phenotypes including impaired endocytosis and lysosomal storage, and pathologoies such as deafness, epilepsy, kidney stones, etc.
Molecular Pharmacology and Cell Biology (Volker Haucke)
Membrane dynamics within the endocytic and endosomal system play crucial roles in cell physiology and membrane homeostasis, cell signaling and development, as well as in the functioning of the nervous system. Research in the laboratory is centered on the visualization and manipulation of the endocytic machinery and of endosomal membrane organization using a combination of biochemical, genetic, chemical, and optical imaging approaches with a particular focus on the nervous system.
Protein-Trafficking (Ralf Schülein)
The Schülein group looks at the mechanisms that regulate the specific cell surface densities of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), the main target molecules for drugs. We use a combination of molecular biology, biochemical and imaging methods as well as automated microscopy to identify new substances that influence GPCR trafficking.
Molecular Cell Physiology (Ingolf E. Blasig)
Our focus is the investigation of basic mechanisms in the establishment, maintenance and regulation of tight junction (TJ) structures which form cell-cell contacts. We use molecular and cell biology techniques, proteomic analyses and pharmacological approaches.
Cellular Imaging (Burkhard Wiesner)
Our group addresses questions of biological and pharmacological importance using the full repertoire of light microscopy techniques (confocal laser scanning microscopy, two-photon excitation, uncaging processes, FCS, FRAP, FRET, FLIM, cellular uptake of peptides, colocalisation studies, intracellular ion concentrations, protein translations studies, etc. in conjunction with the electron microscopic and electrophysiological techniques.
Molecular Neuroscience and Biophysics (Andrew Plested)
Our interest is the glutamate-gated ion channel receptors of excitatory synapses. These receptors underlie essential functions in the brain, including learning and memory. We use electrophysiology to examine receptor kinetics in cell membranes. We combine this approach with molecular and structural biology to determine the shape and composition of receptor complexes.