Research

The primary aim of the ZMB is to promote applied medical-biotechnological research and to build up a research focus in the area of medical biotechnology at the University. For this purpose new professorships were established in the fields of biochemistry, bioinformatics, developmental biology, genetics, microbiology and molecular cell biology during the last four years. Together with the established clinical research groups at University Hospital, they form a productive and competitive unit which, because of its excellent technical equipment, can achieve high-end research resul

Basic Research

The basic research at the campus focuses on tumour biology, degenerative diseases and regulation of gene expression by chromatin.

Gene expression and chromatin

Eukaryotic cells package their genetic material (DNA) in chromatin in the cell nucleus. Differences in chromatin packaging determine where and when specific genes are expressed. In heterochromatin, the DNA regions are silenced; as a result, the genes in these regions are not expressed and no proteins are synthesized. Conversely, genes in the more open euchromatin are active. The correct temporal and spatial expression of genes is essential for the control of normal growth and development. Recent research findings describe a novel mechanism that controls the formation of boundaries between heterochromatin and euchromatin.

Tumour biology und degenerative diseases

Protein diagnosis involves the repair and degradation mechanisms of proteins. These studies shall decipher how nature can distinguish between damaged proteins and fully functional molecules. Better knowledge of the exact molecular mechanisms can provide insights into the role these processes play in the human organism and how they influence various diseases (e. g. Alzheimer’s, arthritis and cancer). In the area of medical biochemistry protein modifications are analyzed. Following synthesis on the ribosome specific enzymes transfer functional groups such as phosphate, sulphate or whole oligopeptides covalently onto one or several amino acids of one target protein or change the structure of the protein itself. Among other effects these changes influence the stability, binding capacity or internal cell addressing of the molecules. Disruption of the chemical and / or structural modification of proteins thus often leads to complex disease patterns in humans and animals. The most recent studies on human parvulin proteins have revealed that one isoform (Par17) is found only in apes and humans. The exact function of parvulin is not known but researchers assume that this protein played a role in the evolution of the human brain.

During embryonic development the vertebrate skeleton is initially formed by a cartilage template. The skeletal elements attain their final shape by means of a slow and successive ossification process. Deciphering the embryonic processes controlling the differentiation of cartilage and bone helps us to better understand genetic and age-related skeletal diseases and to develop precise therapies. Researchers are currently investigating two transcription factors, Trps1 and Gli3, and the role of heparan sulphate in signal transduction. Patients with mutations in the Trps1 or Gli3 gene display impaired bone differentiation and dwarfism, as well as a higher risk for osteoarthritis and bone tumours, which can be reproduced and analyzed in a mouse model.

An exact diagnosis is an important prerequisite for the effective treatment of disease. This is especially true in the case of viral infections such as HIV / AIDS. The HI virus is highly versatile, develops resistances and changes the way it infects new cells. Today doctors have an increasingly difficult task to select a drug which will be effective in the individual patient from the more than 20 approved anti-HIV drugs now on the market. Proper selection can only be achieved by exact diagnosis. The ZMB is working on the development of faster and more precise diagnostic methods. Bioinformatics and computer-based molecular design are key instruments which can be used to interpret diagnostic data and to design new molecules lending themselves to diagnostic applications.