complete © Mara Müller

Research Areas

Antibiotics are stage center for the three groups of the Chair of General Microbiology. We cover a broad range of research topics: From antibiotic production, via development and spread of antibiotic resistance, to their role as signaling molecules in the context of stress responses and multicellular differentiation. Beyond basic research, we also develop molecular tools for antibiotic research and in the context of Synthetic Biology applications.

details Research Areas

Detailed description of our research areas

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Research Focus

At the General Microbiology, everything revolves around interactions. The scientific interactions between research group members are accompanied by social interactions within the research group to keep the spirit high.
Research-wise, we all share a passion for not-so-social interactions between Gram-positive bacteria: We investigate antibiotics as signals and weapons.
How do bacteria perceive antibiotics in the environment?
How do they become resistant when challenged with antibiotics?
How do antimicrobial compounds mediate and interfere with differentiation processes?
Along the lines of the latter, we became increasingly thrilled about studying bacteria as multicellular organisms.

After all, the process of microbial tissue formation is very much coordinated by intercellular interactions, from sharing public goods to sacrificing subpopulations through programmed cell death.
You see, It is (almost) always about interactions with us… Are you interested?
Link to Publications 

Review articles on current topics

Review articles on previous topics

Link to Publications