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  • We apply various configurations of the patch-clamp technique (whole-cell, cell-attached, excised inside-out, outside-out) to native and genetically manipulated cells and subcellular compartments. They enable us to monitor protein function and protein-protein interactions at high-resolution.
  • We use a large spectrum of biochemical techniques to detect and quantify membrane proteins (mainly ion channels and receptors), their post-translational modifications and association with other proteins in complexes and protein networks.
  • Modern mass spectrometers coupled with liquid chromatography enable us to identify several hundreds of proteins from complex samples with high confidence and sequence coverage. In addition, they provide quantitative data that let us determine stability, specificity and stoichiometry of protein-protein interactions as well as absolute protein abundance.
  • Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) provides information on structure and dynamics of biological macromolecules at atomic resolution under near-physiological conditions. We use it to examine proteins participating in the nano-environment of membrane proteins with regard to their 3D structure, mobility and interactions.
  • Using innovative microsystems, we work to enhance resolution and throughput of electrical recording of ionic currents. We develop biohybrid sensing devices based on single biological nanopores in membrane microarrays and study the interaction of natural and synthetic polymers with pore-forming membrane proteins.
  • To understand how neurons collectively process information, we develop optogenetic tools as well as new technologies for recordings from neurons in vivo and imaging of cell activity using photon Ca2+ and functional approaches. With computational network models we gain information on the principles underlying information processing in complex neuronal circuits.

Chairs

Physiology I - Systemic and Cellular Neurophysiology

Prof. Dr. Marlene Bartos

How is information processed and encoded in neuronal networks to realize learning, memory and behaviour? We aim to uncover the mechanisms underlying information processing by applying electrophysiological, imaging, molecular and computational approaches.

Physiology II – Molecular Physiology

Prof. Dr. Bernd Fakler

Our central goal is comprehensive understanding of organization and operation of rapid signal transduction and information processing at the plasma membrane of excitable cells under normal and pathophysiological conditions.

Associated Research Groups

Membrane Physiology and -Technology

Prof. Dr. Jan Behrends

Using innovative microsystems we work to enhance the resolution and throughput of electrical recording from biomembranes.

Neocortical Circuits

Prof. Dr. Johannes Letzkus

Information about past experiences and current aims is a central element of all higher brain functions, but our understanding of such of internally-generated top-down signals is limited. We use a combination of imaging, electrophysiology, cell-type specific targeting, optogenetics, viral tracing and behavior to dissect these mechanisms in the auditory cortex.

Renal Hemodynamics

PD Dr. Armin Just

We study the mechanisms governing blood flow and filtration rate in the kidney, ranging from local mediators and signaling pathways to the integrated function of pressure-dependent autoregulation.
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