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SFB 1756:  Chemical and Biological Principles of Cellular Trigger Responses

Subject Area Biology
Chemistry
Term since 2026
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 550938463
 
The viability and functionality of cells critically depend on their ability to precisely sense and respond to triggers. We define triggers as chemical or physical stimuli that can be generated by the cell itself or be derived from the environment. Despite their central roles in cellular physiology, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the generation, sensing, and processing of many triggers and the resulting responses is incomplete. This is especially true for short-lived gaseous molecules as well as for novel or recently identified chemical triggers. Cellular responses to triggers involve complex multi-layered molecular events, including transient or long-lasting changes in conformation, interaction, activity, or localisation of proteins and nucleic acids. These responses are governed by both established and emerging principles of cellular organisation such as co- and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, post-translational modifications, or the formation of biomolecular condensates. How these mechanisms collectively shape cellular responses is only beginning to be understood. The central objective of the proposed CRC is thus to understand how cells perceive changes in their environment, how they process triggers to generate a specific response, how trigger-induced cellular responses affect the cell's physiology, and how these processes can ultimately be manipulated at the molecular level. Concretely, we will address (i) how novel or elusive triggers are generated and processed, (ii) how chemical triggers affect post-translational modifications to elicit defined responses, and (iii) how physical triggers such as heat and mechanical force affect enzyme activity and function. A major bottleneck in the research field is the limited availability of robust methodologies to monitor, quantify, and manipulate triggers within the complex cellular environment. The CRC will develop and apply advanced Chemical Biology approaches, which leverage synthetic and biophysical chemistry and enable a precise spatial and temporal analysis and control of triggers and trigger responses. Sixteen scientific projects are organised in two Research Areas: Projects in Research Area A will investigate the mechanisms of generation and sensing of triggers in a time and space-resolved manner. Projects in Research Area B will elucidate how cells process and integrate triggers into a defined cellular response. In the long term, research conducted in the CRC will expand our mechanistic understanding of how cells process triggers into specific responses, how these responses collectively influence cellular physiology, and how they can be controlled at the molecular level. By addressing core principles of cellular trigger responses, the CRC will lay the foundation for future biotechnological applications and novel therapeutic strategies.
DFG Programme Collaborative Research Centres

Current projects

Applicant Institution Universität Konstanz
Participating University Universität Wien
 
 

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