Institute of Biochemistry

Department Molecular Biochemistry

Head: Prof. Dr. Albert Jeltsch

The Department Molecular Biochemistry studies the molecular processes in living systems such as metabolism, the production of energy, the storage and processing of information and the regulation of all these processes. She researches the structure, function and interaction of the biomolecules involved in these processes. The research is based in various disciplines of the molecular life sciences, from molecular epigenetics to synthetic biology and biotechnology.

Department Technical Biochemistry

Head: Prof. Dr. Hajo Kries

The Department Technical Biochemistry is convinced that the use of microorganisms, as well as the use of isolated enzymes, has a significant impact on the synthesis of new products, especially from the perspective of environmentally friendly production processes. This goal can only be achieved through close collaboration between scientists from different disciplines. This can be seen in the Technical Biochemistry department, which is driven by interdisciplinarity and internationality in our projects. The use of scientific know-how and expertise in the design of new biological catalysts, the possibilities of technical change and the application of chemistry-based enzyme engineering are central to us.

Department of Food Chemistry and Bioanalytics

Head: Prof. Dr. Jens Brockmeyer

Mass spectrometric analysis plays an important role in food chemistry. The Department of Food Chemistry and Bioanalytics deals with the characterization of food allergens and their breakdown in gastrointestinal digestion. Furthermore, methods for testing the authenticity of marine, animal and plant foods are being developed.

Department Cellular Biochemistry

Head: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Franziska Traube

The Department Cellular Biochemistry investigates biochemical processes with biomedical relevance in a cellular context. Using mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we investigate in various cellular development models how processes in the cell nucleus interact with processes in other cellular compartments, in particular the mitochondria, and how dysregulation of this communication promotes the development of tumors and the occurrence of neuronal developmental disorders.