Membrane Biology and Systems Biology

Within this research topic, top-class scientists engage in the understanding of dynamic processes that happen within, at, or via biological membranes.

Therefore, they use systems biology approaches to analyze the adaptation of protein- or lipid-compositions of membranes to changes in environmental conditions, fungal secretomes, or the exchange between intra- and extracelluar compartments.

Experimental methods are high-throughput technologies such as Mass Spectrometry, Next Generation Sequencing, Spectroscopy and imaging techniques. With regard to mathematics/informatics, algorithms are developed in order to handle and analyze the generated large data sets and mathematical models, involving several types of ordinary and partial differential equations, are set up in order to reveal the underlying biological mechanisms.

For more detailed information, please have a closer look at the portraits of the scientists engaged in karema (“Individual Research Counselors”, IRCs). Please note: Due to the targeted research matching of karema, you should specifically tailor your research idea to the expertise of karema’s scientists.

Click on the name of the scientist for a more detailed portrait (PDF).

 

Prof. Dr. Matthias Hahn
Plant Pathology

Molecular Plant Pathology; Diseases caused by pathogenic fungi are a major threat to crop production worldwide. We investigate the molecular tools of fungi which rapidly kill plant host cells by cell wall degradation and induction of suicide programs. To identifiy the key molecular factors that determine the outcome of the battle between pathogen and host, we are using a combination of molecular, biochemical, cytological and bioinformatics approaches.

Jun. Prof. Dr. Timo Mühlhaus
Computational Systems Biology

The main focus of our group is the application and development of computational methods to process and integrate quantitative biological data from modern highthroughput measurements to gain novel insights into plant acclimation responses. Therefore, we want to drive theory and technology forward with a combination of biological science, applied informatics and statistical approaches.

Prof. Dr. Michael Schroda
Molecular Biotechnology; Systems Biology

The chloroplast as a hub for acclimation role of VIPP1/2 in thylakoid membrane biogenesis; identification and characterization of factors involved in PSII biogenesis and repair; dissection of the heat stress response in Chlamydomonas; investigation of the mechanisms by which the HSP70A promoter activates transgene expression.

Prof. Dr. Christina Surulescu
Mathematics with Applications to Life Sciences (shortly Biomathematics)

Mathematical Biology, with an emphasis on multiscale models for tumor invasion in tissue networks.