Group 1: Diagnostics

• Investigation of samples from unusual biological events potentially containing highly pathogenic agents (bioterrorism, natural and accidental outbreaks) by means of mass spectrometry and confocal Raman microspectroscopy (in collaboration with ZBS 2).

Group 2: Research and Development

• Characterization of pathogenic microorganisms using proteomic and spectroscopic techniques (MALDI-TOF MS, LC-MS/MS, Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopy), development of software for identification and characterization of pathogens from mass spectrometry and vibrational spectroscopy data
• Proteomic and molecular biology studies in proteinopathies/neurodegenerative diseases
• Provision of the central proteomics service for research groups of the RKI
• Development of methods for the characterization of microorganisms and microbial biofilms based on confocal Raman spectroscopy, IR near-field spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM)
• Investigation of pathogenic mechanisms in neurodegenerative proteinopathies of the CNS
• Health-related aspects of the transport of infectious agents

Group 3: Prions and Prionoids

Head: Michael Beekes
Deputy: Achim Thomzig

• Research on the molecular and structural basis of the seeding activity of prions and other self-replicating protein particles (prionoids/proteopathic seeds) in cerebral proteinopathies (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Parkinson's disease)
• Development and validation of decontamination methods for the inactivation or removal of prions and prionoids/proteopathic seeds attached to surgical instruments or other medical devices
• Development of alternative methods to animal bioassays for sensitive detection and pathophysiological exploration of the seeding activity of prions and prionoids/proteopathic seeds