Unraveling the functioning and evolution of genome-wide regulatory networks Gene regulatory networks underlie much of the characteristic complex behaviors of biological systems. They allow single-celled organisms to "act on…

Principles of intracellular organization Correct intracellular localization of proteins and mRNA ensures cell survival. Specific localization of these molecules allows the development of multicellular organisms such as…

Protein Bioinformatics in 3D: sequence – structure – function Proteins are the key tools of the cell and are responsible for the most important functions of living organisms. The specific spatial structures of proteins are…

Mechanisms in the formation of neuronal networks The brain is one of the most fascinating and complex systems in the body. It controls sensory perceptions, emotions, and actions and makes it possible to form memories and…

Skeletal muscle aging and neuromuscular diseases Muscle aging Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and function at old age, impinges on health span and is the major contributor to frailty in the elderly population of…

The coronin pathway and cell population size control T cells require the protein coronin 1 to reach and maintain their cell population size. The movie illustrates T cells dividing until their appropriate density has been…

Structure of molecular factories and regulatory complexes Metabolism summarizes all processes of biosynthesis and degradation of cellular building blocks. The necessary chemical conversions are catalyzed by a large number of…

Nanobiology: Life signs at the nanoscale Nature has developed sophisticated biological machines that are fundamentally intriguing and technologically unprecedented. Here, we use quantitative nanoscience techniques and…

How do cells control gene dosage alterations during evolution and disease? Sexually reproducing animals contain two genome copies - one from each parent. Deviations from this twofold dosage can lead to diseases such as…

Genetic and evolutionary study of bacteria-jumbophage interactions Phages are viruses that only attack bacteria. Jumbophages are a unique group of phages that possess exceptionally large genomes and eukaryote-like…