Research at the Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology (IFIZ)

The research of the IFIZ endeavours to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate human development and health and how diseases like cancers affect these mechanisms.

The knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms can then, in collaboration with clinicians, support the development of cures, e.g. against cancers.

The IFIZ has four research units: Molecular Biology, Immunology, Quantitative Proteomics, and Animal Genetics.

The independent research group Autophagy focusses on the molecular mechanism of WIPI-mediated autophagy in health, disease and longevity and is headed by Prof. Dr. Tassula Proikas-Cezanne.

Modules offered by the Proikas-Cezanne lab.

The major focus of the research unit Immunology is on Translational Immunology. Its spectrum of basic research covers T cell biology, antibodies, antigen presentation and innate immunity. The new findings and insights resulting from the research projects are invested into clinical applications that are carried out in close collaboration with the University Hospital.

Modules offered by the research unit Immunology

The research unit Quantitative Proteomics led by Prof. Boris Macek performs active research in the areas of proteogenomics, phosphoproteomics, biological signal transduction and quantitative analysis of protein modifications.

Modules offered by the research unit Quantitative Proteomics

The research unit Animal Genetics investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying organogenesis during Drosophila development. Research areas are the molecular mechanisms of cuticle differentiation and the functions of actin-binding proteins during oogenesis.

Modules offered by the research unit Animal Genetics

The research unit Molecular Cell Biology uses the model organism yeast to investigate how cells ensure that their resources are allocated well, and that their physiology is regulated according to nutrient supply. Their favourite tools are live-cell imaging and mass spectrometry.

Modules offered by the research unit Molecular Cell Biology