Heidelberg: New research into the secret of cell membranes revealed!

Heidelberg: New research into the secret of cell membranes revealed!

In an insightful conversation on July 10, 2025 with the journalist Wolfgang Heim, Prof. Dr. Michael Meinecke and Prof. Dr. Kerstin Göpfrich from the University of Heidelberg discussed the fascinating world of cellular structures. Prof. Meinecke, who acts as spokesman for the new Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1638 “Remodeling of cellular membranes”, emphasizes how important these membranes are for understanding the fundamental life processes. The SFB 1638 has received funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG) and will spend four years until 2028 researching the dynamics of cellular membranes and clarifying the connection between membrane remodeling and physiological processes uni-heidelberg.de reported.

The research area is one of a number of special research areas that investigate central questions in the life sciences. The project is an example of the interdisciplinary collaboration promoted at Heidelberg University. The “Survival Strategies” series, which is created in cooperation with Rhein-Neckar Television, covers a wide range of biological and medically relevant topics and is part of extensive public relations work that also deepens empirical research.

Objective of the SFB 1638

The focus of the research of the SFB 1638 is the investigation of so-called membrane remodeling. These are responsible for crucial processes within the cell, such as cell division, signal transmission and metabolism. Prof. Meinecke and his team plan to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these conversions. You want to show how the different membrane remodeling interacts with each other and leads to physiological effects, as is also explained in the discussions about the research goals.

The interface between basic research and possible clinical applications is particularly exciting. Prof. Kerstin Göpfrich, who heads the “Biophysical Engineering of Life” research group, examines in her work how synthetic cells interact with their environment and what central role the cell membrane plays in this. These findings could one day significantly expand our understanding of diseases such as brain tumors, heart and skin diseases, and chronic pain. bzh.db-engine.de supplemented.

Public impact and future prospects

The “Survival Strategies” series brings the researchers’ scientific results not only to the academic world, but also to the general public. The film contributions are available via the heiONLINE portal and are also broadcast on the RNF program. This shows how important it is for Heidelberg University to communicate research transparently and to inform citizens about current developments in science.

In summary, it can be said that the work of the SFB 1638 is of great importance for both basic research and practical applications in medicine. Deeper insight into the mechanisms of cellular membranes could have far-reaching implications for understanding and treating diseases that affect us all.