Institute for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Our institute is interested in studying the formation and properties of amyloid fibrils and related polypeptide aggregates. Amyloid fibrils can beformed from many natural and non-natural polypeptide chains. Their formation is thought to represent a fundamental chemical property of polypeptide chains as organic polymers. Inside the human body, amyloid states can occur associated with ageing and disease, such as in Alzheimer's disease.

The various projects of our institute aim to understand the molecular basis why and how polypeptide chains form amyloid aggregates. Furthermore, we analyse possible biological and pathological effects of amyloid states and possiblities of interference. This work could lead to new diagnostic procedures and may provide clues for novel therapeutic strategies. Our work relates to the research areas of biophysics, structural biology, cell biology, neurobiology and biotechnology.