News & Activities

For the first time, three amino acids of one protein could be changed at the same time in a single experiment. (Picture: Nediljko Budisa / Copyright: MPI of Biochemistry)

Genetic Code 2.0 - Novel Artificial Proteins for Industry and Science

The creation of synthetic proteins plays an important role for economy and science. By the integration of artificial amino acids in proteins (genetic code engineering), their already existing qualities can be systematically improved. Even new biological features can arise. Now, scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB) in Martinsried near Munich, Germany, succeeded in making another important step in this research area: For the first time, they were able to integrate in a single experiment three different synthetic amino acids into one protein.

Institutstag, April 20th, 2010

The winners of the MPIB Junior Research Award 2010: Rubén Fernández-Busnadiego, Per Stehmeier, Anika Lange, Georgios Karras, Christian Luber (from left to right). (Copyright: MPI of Biochemistry)

The Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB) on April 20th invited its staff members from research and administration as well as interested guests to this year's "Institutstag". Different talks gave insights into the multifaceted research areas of the institute. Another highlight was the distinction of the best junior scientists 2010 and the presentation of their work.

This year's speakers were Reinhard Fässler, Dieter Oesterhelt, Eva Wolf and Nediljko Budisa as well as the winners of the MPIB Junior Research Award 2010: Georgios Karras, Rubén Fernández-Busnadiego, Anika Lange, Christian Luber and Per Stehmeier.

Program of the Institutstag 2010

A genetic program is responsible for the development of different muscle cells in the fruit fly. (Picture: Frank Schnorrer / Copyright: MPI of Biochemistry)

Fruit Flies – A Model for Bodybuilders

The human body operates by a precisely regulated interplay of different cell types such as blood, nerve and muscle cells. Together with colleagues from the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) in Vienna, Austria, scientists of the Max Planck Institute (MPI) of Biochemistry in Martinsried near Munich, Germany, have now succeeded in identifying all genes of the fruit fly Drosophila that play a role in the development and function of muscles.

Not all members of the dendritic cell family are able to identify the virus. One cell (illustrated in green) shows no reaction because it is missing the necessary proteins. (Figure: Christian A. Luber / Copyright: MPI of Biochemistry)

Equipment matters - Max Planck Scientists Can Predict which Immune Cells Identify Invaders

In order to defend ourselves from viruses, germs and parasites, the immune cells of our body are equipped with different defense systems. For the first time, scientists of the MPI of Biochemistry and the biotech company Bavarian Nordic GmbH in Martinsried have now investigated the proteins of a highly specialized family of immune cells.

An immune cell paves its way and thus, forms finger-like extensions. Marked in colour is the skeleton of the cell. (Foto: Michael Sixt, Copyright: MPI of Biochemistry)

Cross-Country Runabouts – Immune Cells on the Move

In order to effectively fight pathogens, even at remote areas of the human body, immune cells have to move quickly and in a flexible manner. Scientists from the Max Planck Institute (MPI) of Biochemistry in Martinsried near Munich, Germany, have now deciphered the mechanism that illustrates how these mobile cells move on diverse surfaces. “Similar to a car, these cells have an engine, a clutch and wheels which provide the necessary friction,” explains Michael Sixt.