Research group Timm Maier

Molecular factories in lipid metabolism

Structure and function of enzymes that control lipid metabolism may contribute to new drug development.

Fatty acid synthase – a molecular factory for the production of fatty acids.

As the universal main component of cell membranes, lipids form the barrier between the inside of a cell and its surroundings. They are the most important energy storage compounds in our bodies and act as messengers and transmitters. The abnormal regulation of lipid metabolism plays an important role in the development of cancer and is a very common risk factor for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Our particular interest lies in multienzyme complexes - the factories for the biosynthesis of lipids and related molecules.

Structures as the key to function

The goal of our research is to determine the complex structures of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism down to the atomic level. From these structures and further experiments we deduce the mechanism of action of multifunctional proteins and establish opportunities for manipulating them.

Multifunctional molecular machines

The synthesis and degradation of lipids and their building blocks are complex processes. Higher forms of life have therefore developed special molecular machines, such as the fatty acid synthase multienzyme system, that integrate signals regulating lipid metabolism or coordinate multistep biochemical processes. We use X-ray crystallography to elucidate the structures of these giant multifunctional machines and to understand the interplay of their individual functional domains.

Basics for metabolic therapies

Lipid metabolism is closely related to the development of disease. Obesity, in particular, is an important risk factor for conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Increased lipid production is also involved in the development of many tumors, such as breast and prostate cancers. Our research delivers starting points for the design of a new generation of metabolism-based drugs to combat these diseases.