Welcome

The Institute of Genetics

The current research activities at the Institute of Genetics focus on different aspects of cellular dynamics in development and physiology. Using a broad range of genetic methods in the mouse and in cells, we are tackling fundamental question of how surface receptors reach the plasma membrane, how cells control their shape, and how cell migration determines animal physiology such as local immune response, tissue homeostasis, and brain function.

The Institute of Genetics comprises three independent research units (Prof. Dr. Raoul-Martin Memmesheimer, Prof. Dr. Oliver Gruss, Prof. Dr. Walter Witke) with complementary expertise in proteomics, cell division and mouse genetics.

The mouse is central to our research as a genetic model system that allows us to study disease related mechanisms. High resolution live-cell microscopy, biochemical approaches and study of complex animal behavior allow us to bridge the gap from molecules to physiology and diseases.    

News:

• University news about the publication of Prof. Dr. Oliver Gruss  "TOR signaling regulates liquid phase separation of the SMN complex governing snRNP biogenesis"

History of the Genetics Institute

•  1965-1987  Prof. Dr. Werner Gottschalk (Founder and Director of the Genetics Institute) 
•  1987-2009  Institute directed by Prof. Dr. Klaus Willecke (Connexin and Gap Junctions)
•  1987-2009  Prof. Dr. Karl Heinz Scheidtmann (Growth Control and Apoptosis)
•  2002-2014  Prof. Dr. Norbert Koch (Immunbiology) member of the Institute
•  since 2009   Institute directed by Prof. Dr. Walter Witke (Cell Migration)
•  2010-2014   Prof. Dr. Klemens Rottner (Aktin Dynamik), member of the Institute
•  since 2015   Prof. Dr. Oliver Gruss, member of the Institute
•  since 2017    Prof. Dr. Raoul-Martin Memmesheimer, member of the Institute