Proteins

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

A group of ballet dancers in classic white tutus, captured mid-performance, reflects on the polished floor. The image is creatively enhanced with swirling purple patterns overlaying the dancers' feet and reflections.

Function and role of key factors in actin filament disassembly redefined by Max Planck researchers
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“Pushers” push passengers into a train.

The first comprehensive transport model of a plasma membrane calcium pump explains its high speed  more

Protein structure with binding area highlighted in blue and red molecule in the center.

Researchers have identified protein binding sites in eleven species from different kingdoms of life more

Fluorescence image of a mouse hippocampal slice. Synapses are shown in green, and blue marks the cell bodies of neurons.

New integrative study uncovers the spatial organization of transcripts and proteins in the mouse hippocampus, offering insights into brain function and plasticity more

Visual of a protein structure showing complex folding, with blue indicating the main body and orange helices representing secondary structures.

A training-free approach in computational protein binder design unlocks new possibilities in next-generation biomedical applications 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

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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

Alzheimer’s disease: It’s not only neurons

It is not only nerve cells that produce harmful beta-amyloid proteins. Glial cells also contribute to this more

Egg cell maintenance

Female mammals, including humans, are born with all of their egg cells. Some egg cells therefore survive for several decades – and need to remain functional over this long time. Extremely long-lived proteins in the ovary seem to play an important role in this. They appear to help maintain fertility for as long as possible. 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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