EMBO

Francisco Blanco

Our research is focused on the structural analysis of proteins and its complexes in solution by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). NMR has the potential to determine the structure of the protein in solution, detect ligand binding, map the binding site and quantify the affinity of the interaction. We use this methodology to characterise and modulate protein-protein interactions involved in chromatin regulation and signalling.

Thomas Dickmeis

Strict control of when cells divide is vital to guarantee normal growth and to avoid tumour formation. Therefore, understanding the timing mechanisms in normal cells is of great medical importance. Remarkably, cells from bacteria to man often divide only at certain times of day. Also many other aspects of metabolism and behaviour occur at certain periods of the day, reflecting their control by internal biological clocks. A central pacemaker structure in the brain controls rhythms of behaviour and hormone release.

Ward Capoen

Legumes can engage in two different symbiotic interactions with soil born microorganisms. One is the ubiquitous mycorrhizal symbiosis with certain fungi, resulting in improved nutrient uptake. The second is less widespread and unique to this particular family. Certain species of rhizobial bacteria can enter the plant root to establish a root nodule, a novel plant organ where the bacteria can reduce atmospheric nitrogen and give it to the plant.

Lisa Walter

The central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain and spinal cord, is considered immune privileged due to its isolation behind the blood-brain barrier and lack of conventional lymphatic drainage. However, it has been shown that the CNS is surveyed by and interacts dynamically with the adaptive immune system. White blood cell immune responses, specifically those of cytotoxic CD8 T cells and helper CD4 T cells, directed towards CNS antigens have been documented. Where these events are initiated and what cellular mechanisms are involved remain unknown.

Benoit Zuber

Communication between neurons, or nerve cells, is the cellular basis for thinking, decision making, and control of muscular movements. Neurons are cells with a particular shape: they possess two types of long ramification, called the axon and the dendrites. The axon of one neuron is in contact with the dendrites of other neurons. These contacts are termed synapses. Each neuron forms thousands of synapses with other neurons. Neurons communicate by sending electric signals along their axons

Giselle Wiggin

Epithelial cells are a specialised cell type that line most body surfaces and cavities, such as the skin, intestine and lungs. These cells have an interesting structure; the top (or “apical”) part of the cells consists of very different molecular components from the bottom, (or “basal”) part. This feature is called “cell polarity”.

Willem van Schaik

The bacterium Bacillus anthracis causes the disease anthrax. This disease primarily affects herbivores in tropical regions of the world. Humans can also contract anthrax, either by accidental exposure to B. anthracis or as a consequence of bioterrorist activities.