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Topping-out ceremony
On September 13, 2024 - after 15 months of construction - the completion of the building shell was celebrated with a topping-out ceremony. Minister Reinhold Jost, Minister Jakob von Weizsäcker and University President Professor Ludger Santen were present at the ceremony. The state is constructing the new research building with financial support from the federal government at a cost of around 49 million euros.
Photo competition of SFB 1027: and the winner is...
Winners of Photocompetition 2024 of SFB 1027:
- Divyendu Thalla: (Project A10 - The actin cortex during transitions of cellular states)
- Samer Alokaidi (Project B2 - Bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation: Physical processes at interfaces)
- Kristin Kochems and Samhita Thalla (Projects B2 - Bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation: Physical processes at interfaces and A10 - The actin cortex during transitions of cellular states)
Congratulations and many thanks to all participants for submitting their wonderful pictures!
Past competitions can be found here.
The structure and mechanics of the cell cortex depend on the location and adhesion state
The actomyosin cortex plays a crucial role in determining cell mechanics and thus a variety of cell functions such as migration, division and differentiation. Understanding the relationship between the structure and mechanics of the cortex in different situations is necessary to explain cell properties that are crucial for health and disease, e.g. cancer. A team led by biophysicist Franziska Lautenschläger has investigated a clear correlation between the structure and stiffness of the cortex, taking an important step towards predicting and controlling the mechanical behavior and thus the function of cells.
The work was carried out as part of the Collaborative Research Center 1027 “Physical Modeling of Nonequilibrium Processes in Biological Systems”
Publication:
D. A. D. Flormann, ..., F. Lautenschläger: The structure and mechanics of the cell cortex depend on the location and adhesion state, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 121 e2320372121 (2024).
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2320372121
New insights into fat metabolism
Fats, the most important energy stores in the human body, are stored in so-called lipid droplets in the cells. Very little is known about how they work. A team led by biologist Bianca Schrul from Saarland University has now gained insights into a specific protein in the shell of these lipid droplets. This opens the door for further research, which could also help to better understand metabolic diseases.
The work was carried out as part of the Collaborative Research Center 1027 “Physical Modeling of Nonequilibrium Processes in Biological Systems”
Publication:
R. Dhiman, R.S. Perera, C.S. Poojari, H.T.A. Wiedemann, R. Kappl, C.W.M. Kay, J.S. Hub, B. Schrul: Hairpin protein partitioning from the ER to lipid droplets involves major structural rearrangements. Nat. Commun. 15, 4504 (2024).https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-48843-8
Press release of Saarland University from 12.06.2024 (in German)
New leadership team and board
Since 1st of June, 2024, Prof. Dr. Franziska Lautenschläger and Prof. Dr. Bianca Schrul are the new collegial leadership team of the Center for Biophysics. Moreover, a new Board has been selected.
CHE ranking: MINT areas at Saarland University in top group
The science and technology subjects of biology, chemistry, pharmacy and physics at Saarland University have landed in the top group nationwide for a whole range of criteria in the latest CHE ranking.
Press release of Saarland University (03.05.2024)
Prof. Dr. Manfred Lücke, R.I.P.
The death has occurred of our esteemed colleague, Prof. Dr. Manfred Lücke (*15.11.1944, ✝19.04.2024).
Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We will honor his memory and ground-breaking work on Spattern formation, nonlinear dynamics and ferrofluids.
Orbituary in Saarbrücker Zeitung
New DFG Priority Program for Cell Biology
Sandra Iden is coordinating an interdisciplinary joint project in the fields of cell and developmental biology, biophysics, structural biology, and genetics. The DFG Priority Program entitled "Heterotypic Cell-Cell Interactions in Epithelial Tissues" (SPP 2493, HetCCI) is scheduled to start in 2025. A total budget of around 5.7 million euros is available for the first funding phase.
Press release from Saarland University (19.4.2024, in German)
Ludger Santen starting his presidency
Manfred Schmitt's term as president of Saarland University ends after 7 years. Ludger Santen, Professor for Theoretical Physics and director of the Center for Biophysics, will start his term on April 1, 2024.
Press release of Saarland University of March 26, 2024 (in German).
Robert Ernst elected as new Vice-President for Research and Societal Responsibilit
The senate of Saarland University elected Professor Robert Ernst as new Vice-President for Research and Societal Responsibility. Congratulations and much success!
Press release of Saarland University of March 20, 2024 (in German)..