Biochemistry and Molecular Life Science

The research area Biochemistry and Molecular Life Sciences explores the molecular basis of life. Research is focused on elucidating structure and function of central biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, sugars) and their interactions with each other and with small compounds including physiological ligands, hazardous substances and therapeutics. Based on this knowledge, the malfunctioning of biomolecules in various human diseases is analyzed, and specific drugs are developed and characterized in vivo.

The Böttcher and Grimm labs perform high-resolution structure determination of biomolecules by cryo electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography, respectively. The Fischer and Buchberger labs investigate the physiological and pathophysiological functions of macromolecular protein- and RNA-protein complexes with methods from functional biochemistry and molecular cell biology. The Lehmann lab analyzes the impact of food constituents on molecular processes in carcinogenesis. The Sotriffer lab analyzes and models protein-ligand interactions by means of computer-based methods, aiming at improved drug design; and the Högger lab investigates the pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of therapeutics.