Projects & Funding
DFG Priority Program SPP1927 – Iron Sulfur for Life
Iron-sulfur (FeS) clusters are essential protein cofactors in all forms of life. In particular, FeS centers function as enzyme cofactors in catalysis and electron transfer, and they function as sensors of environmental conditions. Moreover, they are indispensable for the biosynthesis of other protein cofactors including complex metal-clusters. In spite of recent fundamental breakthroughs in metalloenzyme research, it has become evident that studies on single enzymes needs to be transformed into the broader context of a living cell where biosynthesis, function, and assembly/disassembly of these fascinating metal cofactors are coupled in a dynamic fashion. Various biosynthetic pathways were found to be tightly interconnected through a complex crosstalk mechanism that crucially depends on the bio-availability of the metal ions iron, molybdenum, tungsten, nickel, copper, and zinc. The current lack of knowledge of metal-centered interaction networks is due to the sheer complexity of metal cofactor assembly with regard to both the (genetic) regulation and metal center biosynthesis. Pioneering methodological developments will allow for a detailed investigation of the biosynthesis and catalytic function of FeS-dependent enzymes in a cellular context, opening up a new era in metalloenzyme studies. These studies are of utmost importance for the understanding of fundamental cellular processes. Moreover, they are a prerequisite for providing a comprehensive view on the involvement of metalloenzymes in metal-related human diseases.
http://www.ironsulfurforlife.de/
Funded by:
RTG 2202 „Transport across and into membranes“
The RTG 2202 „Transport across and into membranes“ focuses on the characterization of transport processes at a molecular level and the interaction of transport proteins with membranes. This highly challenging research field has a strong medical impact and the perspective of future growth. The aim of the RTG is to excellently qualify doctoral researchers by providing cutting-edge education and by strengthening interdisciplinary research in the field of ‘Transport across and into membranes’. The availability of manifold techniques within the RTG creates an excellent platform that enables doctoral researchers to acquire a broad spectrum of unique skills, providing them a wide selective advantage within the competitive job-market for scientists.
https://www.taim.uni-freiburg.de/
Funded by:
RTG 1976 „Functional Diversity of Cofactors in Enzymes“
The major aim of the RTG 1976 „Functional Diversity of Cofactors in Enzymes“ is the cutting-edge structured education of excellent Ph.D. students via strengthening interdisciplinary research in the field of Cofactor-Dependent Enzymes. For many enzymatic reactions cofactors are essential. The family of cofactors is variegated. Cofactors are remarkable divers with respect to the catalyzed enzymatic reactions. The elucidation of cofactor functions in enzyme catalysis is central for the fundamental understanding of catalytic mechanisms. Moreover, it also provides opportunities to identify new solutions for global issues such as renewable sources for chemical and energetic production and the optimization of biotechnological production techniques.
http://www.cofactor-diversity.uni-freiburg.de
Funded by:
Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine
The Friedrich group is a member of the Spemann Graduate School, which is built on superb research and teaching programs in Protein Structure and Function, Synthetic Biology and Signalling, Developmental Biology, Neurosciences, Immunology and Virology, Molecular Medicine and Molecular Plant Sciences. It has been established in close collaboration with several Research Training Groups (RTGs), an International Max Planck Research School, Collaborative Research Centres (CRCs) and the Bernstein Centre Freiburg. All training groups and research centers are led by internationally renowned scientists who are members of our graduate school.
http://www.sgbm.uni-freiburg.de/
German-French University / Université franco-allemande
The Friedrich group is a member of the German-French University and coordinates the German-French graduate college ‘Enzyme reactivities and their applications’ (CDFA 04-07, together with University Strasbourg).
Bi-national Master program: Biochemistry and Biophysics