Research focus RNA Biology

The following research groups are linked to the focus area :

Dr. Astrid Bruckmann

Important information: Our group aims at providing state-of-the-art mass spectrometric methods which are tailored to the project specific requirements of our collaboration partners within the RCB and beyond. We are particularly focusing our interest on quantitative proteomics, interactomics (RNA-and protein proximity labeling workflows), cross-link (XL)-MS methods, analysis of post-translational modifications as well as nascent proteomics.

Further info of Dr. Astrid Bruckmann

Important information: Neva Caliskan's research group investigates the role of RNA molecules in non-canonical translation events that can influence the interaction between host and pathogen. Their goal is to shed light on therapeutic RNA-protein complexes as new targets in the fight against infections.

Important information: We are studying gene regulatory networks during plant germline and seed development, fertilization mechanisms, also under environmental stress.

Further info of Prof. Dr. Thomas Dresselhaus

Important information: Structural biochemistry
We use structural Biology tools, such as cryo-Electron Microscopy and X-ray crystallography to elucidate ribonuclear-protein complex structures at atomic resolution. This allows us to study the molecular basis of transcription by eukaryotic RNA-polymerases.

Further info of Prof. Dr. Christoph Engel

Important information: We study how RNAPII transcript elongation and co-transcriptional processes in the chromatin context impact development and stress responses in plants

Further info of Prof. Dr. Klaus Grasser

Important information: Through our research, we aim to gain a better understanding of chromatin structure and the regulation of eukaryotic gene transcription.

Further info of Prof. Dr. Joachim Griesenbeck

Important information: Heterogeneity is a fundamental property in biology. We strive to identify and describe biological heterogeneity and diversity on the organismic and molecular level and aim to understand how biological heterogeneity drives the function of molecular machineries.
On the organismic level, we are committed to expand our understanding of microbial diversity on our planet. Having isolated more than 1.000 archaeal strains from all over the world over the last three decades, we are especially intrigued by organisms from the third domain of life, Archaea, and are home of the Archaea Centre Regensburg. In addition, we also look on the evolutionary journey of fundamental biological machineries and molecular processes that are present in all living cells. Here, we focus on processes along the gene expression pathway including the regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional (transcription factors and transcription machinery) and posttranscriptional level (RNA processing, RNA-guided interference and archaeal Sm like proteins) as well as prokaryotic defence system (CRISPR-Cas and prokaroytic Argonaute).

Important information: We study how regulatory non-coding and coding RNAs can be used as "sprayable RNAs" to improve the agricultural value of crops

Further info of Prof. Dr. Aline Koch

Important information: The packaging of eukaryotic DNA into chromatin presents an overriding regulatory layer to all DNA dependent processes, like transcription or replication.

Further info of Prof. Dr. Gernot Längst

Further info of Prof. Dr. Gunter Meister

Important information: We use interdisciplinary strategies to investigate the properties, biological functions, and disease relevance of stress-induced ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules. Our research focuses on the role of RNA and its interactions with RNA chaperones—such as DEAD-box helicases and RNA-modifying enzymes—in shaping the integrated stress response.

Further info of Dr. Nina Ripin

Important information: Our goal is to gain cross-scale, time-resolved atomic insights into the structure, dynamics and function of molecular machines with biomedical or biotechnological relevance. To this end, we develop and apply computational strategies that combine different methods from bioinformatics, theoretical biophysics and quantum chemistry.

Important information: Our research focus is dedicated to the development and production of innovative RNA-based crop protection agents based on circular RNAs. Our goal is to develop sustainable alternatives to chemically synthetic pesticides and to bring them to market in the future.

Further info of Dr. Timo Schlemmer

Important information: The primary scientific goal of our research is to understand the relationship between protein motions and protein function

Further info of Prof. Dr. Remco Sprangers