Research

One of the most prominent phenomena in biological systems is their capability to adopt to environmental changes. The underlying signaling networks are highly optimized since cellular decision making is ultimately linked to survival. A common observation is the fact that cell decisions are to some degree heterogeneous among a isogenic population. This fact can be traced back to natural number fluctuations in signalling elements. more

Collective cell migration is a key element in morphogenesis, cancer formation and wound healing. The multicellular dynamics of epithelial cell layers were studied in experiment and theory over the last years. Yet little is known about cell patches of finite size that should lead over from single cell behavior to collective motion. Here we study the migration and proliferation of small assemblies of epithelial cells more

In gene and siRNA based therapy, therapeutic benefits rely on the efficient transfer of foreign nucleic acids into cells. We investigate synthetic complexes capable of readily carrying nucleic acid across the cell membrane. The self-assembly, size and structure of lipid- and polycation-DNA complexes, known respectively as lipoplexes and polyplexes, are studied. We also endeavor to quantify and model transfection at the single cell level using GFP reporter and single cell time-lapse microscopy. more

Biopolymers have unique properties with respect to their self-assembly, conformational dynamics, transport and interactions with interfaces. Fluorescently labeled biopolymers and proteins can be studied by Quantitative Fluorescence Microscopy (QFM) and Fluorescence Correlations Spectroscopy (FCS). more

Supported membranes are versatile biomimetic interfaces. We study the structure and dynamics of supported membranes on various solid supports in collaboration with the group of Bert Nickel. The control of fluidity, spacing and lateral organisation is a current research challenge. more