Proteins

The image shows fungi and a close-up into the fungus. On the left-hand side, the InaZ protein is shown, which ensures that the fungi are ice-active.

New class of water-soluble proteins opens up applications in freezing technology more

Image of laptop with RNA degradation diagram, showcasing microRNA authentication. A smartphone shows related authentication prompts.

Researchers have uncovered how cells selectively destroy certain microRNAs through protein degradation more

Detailed molecular model illustrating RNA transcription process, highlighting 5' RNA cap, FluPol, DSIF, transcription Pol II, and cleavage site.

Researchers have deciphered the process by which the influenza virus steals the cap of the host RNA to replicate more

The image shows a brain scan of a patient with multiple sclerosis on the left. On the right is an illustration of a hand wearing a red laboratory glove. The hand is holding three test tubes containing blue liquid in a rack.

Proteomics can also be used to identify proteins for the diagnosis of other neurological diseases more

Zwei dunkle Skulpturen mit glänzender Oberfläche und farbigen Streifen, platziert vor einem Hintergrund mit abstraktem, kreisförmigem Muster.

Scientists discover RNA-driven mechanism that helps neurons endure prolonged starvation more

The comic-style illustration schematically shows ribosomes from which a newly produced protein emerges. The end of the protein strand is stuck in a barrel-shaped protein called TRiC. Two light bulbs are located on the ribosome and the TRiC protein, their circles of light overlapping each other. The protein prefoldin is located next to the ribosomes.

Researchers have analyzed the dynamics of the protein folding helpers TRiC and prefoldin together with their substrates for the first time  more

The image shows three proteasomes on the left that have joined together to form a trimer. On the right is a tomogram of a yeast cell from a cryo-electron image, showing the paracrystalline structure of the proteasome storage granules.

Proteasomes form paracrystalline structures in proteasome storage granules. more

3D animation of a ribosome attached to SND3 on the ER surface. The backgroud of the illustration shows heat marks, referencing the hot environment in which Chaeomium thermofilum thrives.

Recent structural study reveals a new route for membrane protein insertion in fungi. more

Laboratory researchers in white coats and blue gloves analyzing samples in a microwell plate, surrounded by scientific equipment and shelves.

A pioneering method enables simultaneous RNA and metabolite analysis  more

If the TKUL kinase domain (yellow) is blocked with an inhibitor, it can no longer activate the ubiquitin ligase domain (blue).

Leishmania pathogens require the protein TKUL to maintain infection in host cells. TKUL combines two enzymes in one molecule. This structural peculiarity could be used for novel therapies.   more

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Detailed molecular model illustrating RNA transcription process, highlighting 5' RNA cap, FluPol, DSIF, transcription Pol II, and cleavage site.

Researchers have deciphered the process by which the influenza virus steals the cap of the host RNA to replicate more

The image shows a brain scan of a patient with multiple sclerosis on the left. On the right is an illustration of a hand wearing a red laboratory glove. The hand is holding three test tubes containing blue liquid in a rack.

Proteomics can also be used to identify proteins for the diagnosis of other neurological diseases more

An illustrated uterus is centrally placed, surrounded by swirling pink and yellow patterns resembling microscopic cellular structures.

An study uncovers how benign borderline ovarian tumors develop into invasive low-grade serous carcinoma more

Wolfgang Bauermeister at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried near Munich

The biophysicist is being honoured for his groundbreaking development and application of cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) more

Microscopic view displaying blue-stained nuclei and yellow cellular formations within a dense tissue network.

Researchers have used spatial Deep Visual Proteomics workflow to reveal why some patients with the hereditary disease remain healthy more

Maria Sokolova

Maria Sokolova, head of the Lise Meitner Research Group Bacteriophages at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, receives this year's Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize 2025 more

Scientists discover the function of a mysterious HIV component

Researchers reveal new insights into the how the matrix layer of HIV-1 becomes mature more

The HIV-1 capsid cracks the rings of the nuclear pore complex as it traverses the channel from the cytosol to the nucleus.

For the first time, researchers have observed how HIV penetrates the nuclear pores to the genome of human immune cells more

New technology saves the lives of patients with fatal skin reactions

Spatial proteomics provides therapeutic approach for patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis more

Researchers can measure distances in molecules optically

MINFLUX microscopy allows the determination of distances within biomolecules using an optical microscope more

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Scientific highlights 2020

Scientific highlights 2020

December 21, 2020

Many publications by Max Planck scientists in 2020 were of great social relevance or met with a great media response. We have selected 13 articles to present you with an overview of some noteworthy research of the year more

Secretin protein with a crown

Researchers elucidate the structure of a molecular machine that allows bacteria to import foreign DNA and become resistant to antibiotics more

Structure of channelrhodopsin determined

Researchers discover structure and mechanism of action of molecular light switch, paving the way for new applications more

Stiff fibres spun from slime

Under the influence of shear forces, nanoparticles from the secretion of velvet worms form polymer fibres that can be recycled in water more

<p>Shining a light on molecular switches</p>

First structural insights obtained from femtosecond X-ray crystallography more

Deceptive teeth

Although the dentition of the wedgefish appear designed to crush shellfish, it also eats stingrays more

Green chemistry from the mussel foot

The byssus threads of the common mussel are produced by a combination of self-assembly processes and biologically active steps more

The first glimpse of a single protein

A folded protein molecule can be clearly imaged with the help of electron holograms more

Light microscopy provides a deep look into protein structure

An innovative fluorescence microscopy method makes it possible to image protein structures with a resolution of less than half an Angstrom more

Why is Usain Bolt the fastest person on Earth?

Max Planck researchers observe muscles at work with the help of new microscopes more

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