Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Institut für Biologie

Our research interests are in the fields of epigenetics/ epigenomics and epitranscriptomics. We investigate how cells organize their DNA in chromatin in the nucleus, and how modifications on histones and histone variants affect gene expression, silencing and chromosome segregation. Furthermore, we study how tRNA modifications regulate protein translation.

In the Cellular Biophysics group, we study glutamate receptors and other components of fast synaptic transmission.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa.

Research focuses on signal transduction networks and gene regulation in nutrient-limited non-growing, but highly stress-resilient bacteria and bacterial biofilms. In particular, molecular functions of second messengers such as cyclic-di-GMP in orchestrating bacterial multicellularity and its emergent properties are studied. Furthermore, we collaborate with designers, material scientists and cultural historians in interdisciplinary projects.

Our research group studies the structure-function relation of sensory photoreceptors from algae, fungi and bacteria.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus.

We are investigating the genetic and molecular basis of nuclear-organellar interactions in plants and apicomplexan parasites. Specifically, we study novel eukaryotic RNA binding proteins used by the cell to manipulate chloroplast and mitochondrial RNAs - essential processes for setting up the respiratory chain and the photosynthetic machinery.

A research focus is on energy-coupling factor (ECF) transporters, a widespread, mechanistically distinct and underexplored group of ATP-binding cassette transporters in bacteria and archaea (and perhaps in plants). Among prokaryotes, these uptake systems mediate high-affinity uptake of water-soluble vitamins and transition metal ions into the cells. In organisms with restricted biosynthetic capacity, e.g. pathogenic bacteria, ECF-type vitamin transporters are essential for viability.

We study interactions between plant parasites, their hosts, and the abiotic environment using experimental-genetic and evolutionary-ecological methods to understand the feedback loops driving parasite-host-environment adaptation. The lab develops resources to identify pests from environmental samples and engages in forest genetics research. We also actively commit to the conservation of native plants through citizen science projects.