Research

Bacteria represent the simplest forms of life, which makes them powerful tools to study the basic concepts of cellular organization. Despite their comparably simple architecture, they have evolved an amazing variety of mechanisms to control the spatial arrangement of cellular components, including localized protein complexes, diverse cytoskeletal structures, and complex signalling cascades. These regulatory systems control a range of essential processes, such as cell growth, cell differentiation, chromosome segregation, and cell division, regulating cell physiology in response to cell cycle cues and environmental conditions.

Our group investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal organization of bacterial cells, with an emphasis on the model bacteria Caulobacter crescentus, Hyphomonas neptunium, and Myxococcus xanthus. In particular, we are focusing on the following topics:

•  Chromosome segregation
•  Cell division
•  Morphogenesis
•  Cell differentiation

For detailed information about our research, publication record and possibilities to work with us, please visit our external website.