Research Projects
As an interdisciplinary group that integrates molecular/cell biology, physics and chemistry we deal with diverse methods and technologies to investigate the complex organizational and structural details of chromatin. The following list covers the main projects we are currently working on. For an overview of techniques that are used within the group actively or passively please have a look at Methods.
RNA in Chromatin Structure
In vivo investigation of the structural importance of RNAs for the maintenance of chromatin structure.Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres
In vivo recruitment and high-throughput screening of protein factors involved in the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) pathway in telomerase-negative cancer cells.Epigenetic Networks and Signal Transduction
- Analysis of epigenetic networks in living cells
- Aberrant signal transduction in chronic lympocytic leukaemia
- Chromatin features associated with the plasticity of the stem cell state
Synthetic Chromatin
Chromatin reconstitution combined with high-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy to elucidate chromatin structure and the distribution of epigenetic patterns.Multifocal Fluorescence Fluctuation Microscopy
Further development and application of our self-designed spatiotemporal fluctuation microscope (STFM). Investigation of new methods for mapping protein mobility and interactions in living cells.Theoretical approaches, Simulation and Modeling
Investigation of chromatin folding and mechanical properties with Monte-Carlo Simulations of chromatin fibers; Molecular Dynamics Simulations of single nucleosomes and DNA-protein interactions as well as analysis of DNA Lattice Binding Models.
