BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
CELL BIOGENESIS, BIOFILMS & DISEASE BIOSENSORS AT ALL SCALES

Despite the complexity existing in nature, all biological systems are built from the same building blocks that represent the basic materials from which all living matter is built according to the principles of thermodynamics, molecular recognition, self-assembly, and basic chemical reactions. As such, nowadays the understanding of biological processes at both the molecular and cellular scales is becoming increasingly important in interdisciplinary biomedical science.

Our fundamental research aims to decipher the molecular mechanisms that enable and regulate gene expression and cell differentiation processes using a unique ensemble of biophysical, biochemical, and cell biology methodologies. A current focus of our fundamental research is the novel concept of chromosomal phase separation being an additional regulatory layer in fundamental gene expression, translation, and DNA-repair processes, particularly in bacteria and mitochondria. This research has the potential to transform our understanding of gene regulation and may reveal ubiquitous physicochemical principles existing in all domains of life.

Combining our fundamental research and biomedical developments, our goal is to push further investigations, novel methodological and therapeutic developments with respect to genetic disorders, aging, cancer, bacterial pathogens, viruses, and applications in the design of diagnostic lab-on-a-chip biosensors, synthetic biological machines, tissue engineering, and genetically enhanced cells.

RESEARCH THEMES

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MOLECULAR GENETICS

Investigation of ubiquitous molecular processes underlying transcription and genome organization at single-cell and single-molecule resolution.

BACTERIAL BIOFILMS

Studying adhesion and biofilm formation of bacterial pathogens, and the impact of multi-antimicrobial drugs, with superior spatiotemporal resolution.

DIAGNOSTIC BIOSENSORS

Development of label-free nanoscale biosensor platforms for sensitive and selective detection of cell adhesion and biomarkers for early disease diagnosis.

CHEMO & BIOINTERFACES

Surface functionalization, biomolecule labeling, and robust bioconjugation are prerequisite for single-molecule studies and biosensor developments.

CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS

Combined FRET and Magnetic Tweezers revealing condensin mechanism


			
			
	
				
                   
                
                
                    
                        Sample Title                        60%

RNA-dependent inhibition of Cohesin Loop Extrusion


			
			
	
				
                   
                
                
                    
                        Sample Title                        60%

Identifying the mechanism of CTCF underlying Cohesin blockage


			
			
	
				
                   
                
                
                    
                        Sample Title                        60%

DNA intercalating dyes strongly affect RNA transcription dynamics

90%

RNA polymerase antitermination and coupled translation via RfaH


			
			
	
				
                   
                
                
                    
                        Sample Title                        30%

Multi-ring optical resonators for ultra-sensitive biomarker detection


			
			
	
				
                   
                
                
                    
                        Sample Title                        30%

CONCLUDED PROJECTS – UPCOMING PUBLICATIONS

1. DNA supercoiling enhances DNA condensation by ParB proteins

2. Eukaryotic SMCs induce negative supercoiling of DNA during loop extrusion steps

BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENTCELL BIOGENESIS, BIOFILMS & DISEASE BIOSENSORS AT ALL SCALES

RESEARCH THEMES

CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS

CONCLUDED PROJECTS – UPCOMING PUBLICATIONS

BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
CELL BIOGENESIS, BIOFILMS & DISEASE BIOSENSORS AT ALL SCALES