The Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry (IFIB) is a vertically integrated research center covering all dimensions of modern biochemical research from atoms via molecules and cells to organisms. The Stehle lab makes proteins visible at the atomic level. Stafforst and Schwarzer with co-workers modify molecules directly to investigate nucleic acids and histones, while Kalbacher homes in on the immunity molecule MHC2. Garcia-Saez and coworker scrutinize membranes, a crucial structure involved among other things in cell death. The groups of Dodt, Jansen, and Rapaport investigate the workings of the cell, looking at peroxisomes, RNA, and mitochondria, respectively. Beyond the level of cells, the Felix and Nürnberger labs shed light on how whole organisms like plants defend themselves. The Feil lab listens in on how mouse cells communicate with each other, and Schulze-Osthoff and his team investigate what happens when the organism's own cells go berserk and turn into tumors.
