Research at the BZR focuses on a holistic understanding of molecular protein function by exploiting structural biology toolbox including electron microscopy, NMR and X-ray crystallography. BZR research has been supported through several subsequent DFG-granted coordinated programmes on structure/function of large ribonucleoprotein complexes (CRC 960) and kidney research (CRC 699). On-going research concentrates on eukaryotic and archaeal protein/protein-DNA or -RNA complexes and membrane proteins, which represent challenging targets for structure determination. Several research groups built-up an outstanding expertise in the production and characterization of conformational dynamic protein complexes and structure determination by the emerging technique of cryo-EM single particle analysis that require only small amounts of pure protein while preserving potential conformational heterogeneity and will be the ultimate next step in order to decipher molecular mechanisms. Collaborations with cryo-EM core facilities abroad have demonstrated that competitive data collection cannot be performed in remote mode due to (1) the fragility of target proteins that require on-site cryo-preservation optimisation and (2) the constantly increasing number of projects. In order to stay internationally competitive, the department of Biophysics II- Structural Biology – together with the CRC 960 plans to establish an automated high-resolution cryo-EM facility at the BZR dedicated to single particle analysis and the development of (serial) micro-crystal electron diffraction, latter in collaboration with the Faculty of Physics.
