Institute of Structural Biology
University of Bonn

Welcome to our Institute!  We are interested in the structure–function relationship of biological macromolecules.  We use molecular biology techniques, biochemistry, biophysics, X-ray crystallography and cryo electron microscopy to investigate biological phenomena at atomic resolution.  

A new way to inhibit pyroptosis! Anja characterized by biochemical means six nanobodies that were raised against human Gasdermin D. All of them bind to the N-terminal domain of this membrane rupturing protein, but three specifically block the assembly of the membrane pore. She succeeded in crystallizing full length Gasdermin D together with two nanobodies and determined the structure at 1.9 Å resolution, providing first structural insights into the mode of action of nanobody-based Gasdermin D inhibition. Read the full story here....

SR-4835, a small molecule inhibitor currently in phase I clinical trials, targets transcriptional kinases Cdk12 and Cdk13. Biochemical and structural analyses could highlight SR-4835’s selectivity towards Cdk12/Cdk13 over other CMGC kinase family members. We determined the crystal structure of the Cdk12/CycK heterodimer in complex with SR-4835 at 2.7Å resolution, revealing a unique hydrogen bond network mediated by the kinase hinge region. The structural insights provided offer a foundation for optimization and design of reversible Cdk12-specific inhibitors and could facilitate the basis for the development of novel cancer therapeutics. The fu...

We are very pleased to announce that Matthias has been awarded an ERC Advanced Grant for his proposal on the NLRP3 inflammasome. The EU will fund the work programme "Exploring inflammasome activation and targeted inhibition" (or "NalpACT" for short) for the next five years. Watch out, what comes out of this endeavour....
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