Research Networks
A remarkable number of Research Networks is currently pooled in the COMM. Three Research Centers offer optimal framework conditions for multidisciplinary cooperation to investigate defects of cellular signal processing in various diseases. Four (transregional) Collaborative Research Centers, one Research Unit, one International and two integrated Research Training Groups, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) further strengthen the NanoBioMed focus of the Saarland University. Furthermore, six Joint Research Projects receive funding by the European Commission. Some of these Research Networks are collaborating projects with other Universities, e.g. with the University of Kaiserslautern, the LMU Munich, the University of Freiburg, the University of Heidelberg, the Leipzig University and the University of Aachen.
Research Centers (buildings)
CIPMM
The Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM) follows a broad, interdisciplinary approach to investigate the integration of dynamic membrane processes in the nervous system into functions of the immune and neuroendocrine systems.
PZMS
The main scientific objective of the Preclinical Center for Molecular Signal Processing (PZMS) is the identification and validation of membrane proteins as new target structures for the pharmacological treatment of genetic disorders of human body homeostasis.
IMED
The Clinic for Internal Medicine (IMED) combines five clinical departments of the University and the University Hospital under one roof, and thus uniquely facilitates the application of interdisciplinary findings by merging research, teaching and medical care.
Collaborative Research Center
SFB 894
The SFB 894 investigates a wide range of Calcium signaling, from the molecular mechanisms of their creation to their integrative effects on the whole body.
SFB 1027
The central topic of this SFB 1027 is the theoretical and experimental modeling of non-equilibrium processes in biological and in particular cellular systems.
SFB/TRR 152
The research of this SFB/TRR 152 will help overcome a merely genetic classification of TRP channels by means of physiologically relevant functional criteria.
Research Units
FOR 2289
This initiative aims to discover some of the fundamental principles by which calcium influences the disease processes of neuroinflammation and -degeneration.
Research Training Groups
Integrated GRK of the SFB 1027
Physical Modeling of Non-Equilibrium Processes in Biological Systems
Integrated GRK of the SFB/TRR 219
Cardiovascular complications in CKD
EU projects
SYSCID (since 2017)
A systems medicine approach to chronic inflammatory diseases
EVIDENCE (since 2020)
Erythrocytes properties and viability in dependence of flow and extra-cellular environment
MemDense (since 2020)
Cellular control of membrane protein density in the endoplasmic reticulum via the unfolded protein response
Former Research Networks
- SFB 530 “Spatio-temporal interactions of intracellular signalling molecules” (1999-2011)
- GRK 377 “Cellular regulation and growth” (1998-2007)
- SFB/TRR 57 “Organfibrose. Von den Mechanismen der Schädigung zur Beeinflussung der Erkrankung” (2009-2012)
- GRK 845 “Molecular, physiological and pharmacological analysis of cellular membrane transport” (2003-2013)
- GRK 1326 “Calcium-Signaling and Cellular Nanodomains” (2005-2015)
- FOR 967 “Functions and mechanisms of of ribosomal tunnel Exit ligands” (2008-2014)
- KFO 129 “Mechanisms of resistance development and optimization of antiviral strategies in hepatitis C virus infection using integrative models in biomathematics and bioinformatics” (2005-2010)
- KFO 196 “Signal transduction in adaptive and mal-adaptive cardial remodeling-processes” (2007-2012)
- CoMMiTMenT “Combined Molecular Microscopy for Therapy and Personalized Medication in Rare Anaemias Treatments” (2013-2018)
- HISENTS “High level Integrated SEnsor for NanoToxicity Screening” (2017-2019)
- iManageCancer “Empowering patients and strengthening self-management in cancer diseases” (2015-2018)
- RELEVANCE “Regulation of red cell life-span, erythropoiesis, survival, senescence and clearance” (2015-2019)
- EU-GLIA PhD “Training, research and raising of public awareness in cell biology and pathology of neuroglia” (2016-2021)
- NEUROFIBRES “Biofunctionalised electroconducting microfibres for the treatment of spinal cord injury” (2017-2021)
- IRTG 1830 “Complex Membrane Proteins in Cellular Development and Disease” (2012-2021)