"The photobiochemistry group currently is a medium sized team focusing on diverse aspects of light regulation in enzymatic processes. We combine biochemistry and structural analyses, with an emphasis on integrating mass spectrometry-based methods with crystal structures and functioanl assays. I also try to convey the importance of such integrative structural biology approaches in my teaching assignments, hopefully raising the interest among students to eventually join the colorful, but sometimes also dark, side of the Institute of Biochemistry."

Andreas Winkler / Associate Professor + Group Leader

"Welcome to the red light district! In my project we research how bacterial proteins can sense red-light and the subsequent signalling pathways. Another emphasis of the project is the development of optogenetic tools, hence protein arrays who´s activity can be controlled by light for basic research applications."

Oliver Eder / University Project Assistant

"I am working on dual-sensor diguanylate cyclases. My goal is to unravel the molecular mechanism that facilitates signal transduction in these proteins."

Maximilian Fuchs / University Project Assistant

"As a chemical technician I support the Photobiochemistry work group. One of my special tasks within the Institute of Biochemistry is the operation of the mass spectrometer."

Philipp Pelzmann / Laboratory Technician

"I am a scientist working on a project involving the dynamic conformation of red and far-red light-activated bacteriophytochrome. The aim is to develop an optogenetic tool for future applications. I am investigating how these molecules respond to light and can be used to control cellular processes."

Hieu Tran / University Project Assistant

"I work on LOV-regulated diguanylate cyclases. These proteins are made up of two parts: a light-sensitive LOV domain and a GGDEF domain that acts like a diguanylate cyclase. LOV domain is activated by blue light and can subsequently control the activity of the GGDEF domain. The focus of my research is how the LOV domain and the linker between the two domains affect the GGDEF domain’s ability to function as catalytically active dimer, with the aim on potential use in optogenetics and other applications that require precise temporal and spatial control of enzymatic activity or other biological output."

Ursula Vide / University Assistant

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Regina Zausinger / University Project Assistant