Chair of Computational Biology at Saarland University
Our research group studies biomedical phenomena that are related to switching of molecular/cellular behavior. For this, we employ molecular modelling and simulation methods, as well as data analysis and machine learning approaches.
On a molecular level, we analyze biomolecular interactions between PDZ domains and phospho/non-phospho peptides. We also study translocation of precursor proteins across the Sec61 channel and how this involves the activity of accessory membrane proteins such as Sec62/Sec63 and TRAP.
On a cellular level, we examine how epigenetic modifications of DNA affect transcription of specific mRNA isoforms, and how this is coupled to the activity of RNA-binding proteins. Furthermore, we investigate the rewiring of protein-protein interaction networks between different cellular conditions, and how this affects the formation of protein complexes.
Our group collaborates closely with various experimental partners on campus and elsewhere and is embedded in the collaborative research center SFB 1027.